Recorded crime statistics for 2009 published by the Central Statistics Office show a reduction in nine of the 14 crime groups for which statistics are given, compared with 2008. Decreases in the numbers of cases of manslaughter and dangerous driving leading to death contributed to a fall in homicide offences of 10.1%. There were also welcome decreases in public order offences, which were down 7.8% during 2009 and controlled drug offences, which were down 6.3.%. The statistics for the third quarter of 2010, the most recent available, show a decrease in 11 of the 14 crime groups for which statistics are given, compared with the same quarter in 2009. The number of homicide offences decreased by 23.5% in the quarter, when compared with the same quarter last year, and 20.7% year on year. The number of controlled drug offences decreased by 11% and weapons and explosive offences by 8.2%. There was also a significant increase — of 138.8% — in the number of cases detected of cultivation or manufacture of drugs. This shows that the Government's policies on tackling crime and the resources made available, along with the outstanding work of the dedicated members of An Garda Síochána, are having a positive effect.
While there is no acceptable level of homicide, the number of cases of murder and manslaughter combined showed no increase between 2008 and 2009 and a decrease of 8.3% in the third quarter of 2010. The Gardaí face severe challenges in dealing with gangland murders. It was partly against that background that I introduced greatly strengthened legislation in the area of organised crime which is being fully utilised by An Garda Síochána, including the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the Criminal Procedure Act 2010, which ends the ban on retrying persons who have been acquitted in specified circumstances and provides for reform of the law on victim impact statements.
I have introduced further significant legislative proposals in the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill, and I will not hesitate to introduce additional measures if that becomes necessary. I have also secured Government approval to commence work on a new Bail Bill to consolidate and update bail law with a view to presenting a clear, accessible and modern statement of the law.
There was a worrying increase of 2.2% in property theft shown in the 2009 figures, but the statistics for the third quarter of 2010 show decreases in burglary and related offences (down 16.6%) and theft and related offences (down 0.5%). These two categories make up the greatest proportion of property offences. Both the Commissioner and I have been concerned at the level of property crime and one of the policing priorities which I set for An Garda Síochána in 2010 is achieving maximum levels of safety for local communities. An Garda Síochána will continue to develop and implement strategies to target those committing such crimes, which are often carried out against vulnerable members of the community.