Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 March 2014
145. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on any increases in burglaries in the Dún Laoghaire constituency on an area basis; the measures put in place to deal with the recent increases in burglaries; his plans to deal with any increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11081/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the recent incidents of burglary in the area and have advised me that a number of targeted proactive measures have been put in place in response, including increased patrols and checkpoints in the area. In more general terms, I am further informed that Garda data shows an ongoing decrease in burglaries in the Dun Laoghaire District, in line with the national trend.
As the Deputy may be aware the latest crime statistics show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 10.4% nationally for twelve months ending 30 September 2013 and this underlines the impact being made by Gardaí under Operation Fiacla. As part of the measures which are coordinated under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer is in force throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including the Dun Laoghaire Garda District. 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.
In addition to Operation Acer, Operation Legacy was set up in Dun Laoghaire to target incidents of burglary and associated crime in the area. Operations Acer and Legacy operate alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with the community and providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary. There is also full engagement with local Neighbourhood Watch and other community groups in the area.
