Ivor Callely
Ceist:328 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the number of armed robberies has reduced in recent years; and the number of armed robberies in each of the years 1995, 1996 and 1999 [24041/99]
Written Answers. - Armed Robbery Statistics.
Statistics for the number of armed robberies and armed aggravated burglaries are contained in the annual report of the Garda Síochána. The most recent report is in respect of 1998. The following table sets out the position.
|
Year |
Number of Armed Robberies and Armed Aggravated Burglaries |
|
1995 |
542 |
|
1996 |
481 |
|
1997 |
252 |
|
1998 |
221 |
|
1999 (to end Sept) |
206 |
As the Deputy will note the statistics indicate a strong and sustained decrease in armed crime over the period, with the level of armed crime for 1998 approximately. 40 per cent of the 1995 value. The statistics also show that the detection rate over these five years has also risen from 28 per cent in 1995 to 40 per cent in 1998. Naturally I am concerned about any armed robbery and while compared to the low levels of 1998, there is an upward trend in armed crime this year, the present level is still well below that of 1995 or 1996.