Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2017
75. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of bicycles reported stolen in the Dublin region in 2016; the number of these bicycles retrieved by An Garda Síochána; the number claimed by members of the public; and the number remaining in Garda stations throughout the county. [5220/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to this matter and I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
The table details the information which you requested for Dublin Metropolitan Region for 2016.
|
Figures applicable for the Dublin Metropolitan Region for 2016 only: |
|
|
No. of bicycles reported stolen in the Dublin Region in 2016 |
4397 |
|
No. of these bicycles retrieved by An Garda Síochána |
349 |
|
No. claimed by members of the public in the DMR |
108 |
|
No. remaining in Garda stations in the DMR |
241 |
**Statistics provided are operational, provisional and liable to change and are valid to 1st February, 2017. I am informed by the Garda authorities that bicycle theft is an ongoing problem and that there are a number of factors impacting on the crime trend, in particular the increased number of people utilising pedal cycles now as their preferred form of commuting. I am assured that Garda Management are continuously monitoring crime trends and hot spots to ensure intelligence led operations are put in place to target crimes of this nature.
I understand that a crime prevention initiative called "Info Bike" has been in operation in the DMR South Central since June 2015. The objective of this initiative is to reduce bicycle thefts by targeting known crime hot spots, raising awareness, educating the public about the correct locks for bicycles, the correct locking practices and deterring bicycle thieves.
I am further informed that Crime Prevention Officers are liaising with bicycle retailers and other outlets and proffering crime prevention advice, such as:
- recording details of the purchasers together with the bicycle frame number,
- advising of various bicycle registration schemes (including local Garda schemes) and
- advising purchasers to purchase good quality locks. As the vast majority of persons reporting stolen bicycles to An Garda Síochána do not know the frame number of their stolen bicycle, the recording of this information at the point of sale makes returning recovered property easier for An Garda Síochána.
