Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Crime Levels.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

538 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request a report from the Garda Síochána with regard to their response to the upsurge in muggings and handbag snatches at locations (details supplied) in Dublin 1 in broad daylight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11866/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there has been an increase over recent weeks in the types of crime mentioned by the Deputy in the locations specified in the question.

During the period from 5 March to 24 April, I am informed that 14 larcenies from the person, that is, muggings, were recorded, of which seven have been detected, and that six larcenies from mechanically propelled vehicles were recorded, of which three have been detected.

I understand that the Garda Síochána has responded to the recent increase in this type of activity with intensified mobile patrolling and covert surveillance in the affected areas, utilising uniformed, plain clothes and specialised Garda units, as well as the CCTV system in the north inner city. As a result, I am informed that the Garda has solved most of the muggings which occurred in April. I am also informed that the Garda is pursuing positive lines of inquiry where culprits have been identified, and it is expected that the detection rates for these crimes will increase for these areas.