Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
820. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the incidents of burglary in the Kilbarrack area especially among homes owned by the elderly; if there is a proposal for community policing and Garda foot patrols in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46867/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is policed by Gardaí from the Raheny and Coolock Garda Districts. Local Garda Management is monitoring and responding to incidents of burglary in those areas, including a number in the Kilbarrack area, of which a small number involve the homes of elderly persons.
The area concerned is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes crime prevention patrols, which are augmented by the Detective Unit, Community Policing Unit together with the Divisional Traffic Unit and Divisional Crime Task Force Unit. Local Garda Management closely monitors such patrols, and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review and paramount consideration is given to the needs of residents. Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the area concerned and that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.
While I share the Deputy's concerns about any incidence of burglary, and crimes against the elderly in particular, as he will be aware the latest crime statistics show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 8.9% nationally for twelve months ending 30 June 2013 and this underlines the impact being made by Gardaí under Operation Fiacla. As part of the measures which are coordinated nationally under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer is in force throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including Kilbarrack. It is an intelligence driven operation and includes analysis led checkpoints and patrols to target specific areas and case manage targeted offenders. These arrangements are kept under review to ensure adjustments are made to maintain the effective focus of the operation.
Operation Acer operates alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with the community and ongoing liaison with schools, businesses and households in providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary. In this regard, I am advised that members of the Community Policing Unit are due to convene a meeting in the Kilbarrack area on 7 November with a view to providing appropriate crime prevention advice to local elderly residents.
