Richard Bruton
Ceist:
631. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if the theft of bikes under threat of violence with or without offensive weapons is becoming a growing pattern of crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6873/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities on the information requested but unfortunately, the report could not be furnished in the time provided. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the report is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question 631 which was for answer on 10 February 2021 where you asked if the theft of bikes under threat of violence with or without offensive weapons is becoming a growing pattern of crime. You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information became available.
I am assured by the Garda Authorities that the occurrence and prevalence of crime and anti-social behaviour is constantly monitored at national and local level by Garda Management to ensure that appropriate policing responses are designed and delivered as appropriate.
In relation to bike theft, I am informed by the Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on the 19 February 2021 for all valid incidents from the following ICCS Group 06 - Robbery, Extortion and Hijacking Offences where the vehicle stolen was a standard or electric, Bike or Scooter for the period 1 January 2016 to 8 February 2021 and all regions.
Robberies from the Person and Hijackings include incidents where there was an actual or threatened use of force. Based on numbers returned, the table included at in the attached Appendix shows the count of incidents by ICCS Group and by Year.
In terms of those cases where offensive weapons are present, the Government is very conscious of the dangers presented by knife crime, and indeed all violent assaults. Clearly any stabbing has the potential to cause irreparable physical harm and tragic consequences, and the Government is determined to ensure that similar problems to those which have developed in neighbouring jurisdictions do not develop here in Ireland.
My Department is keeping the law in relation to sentencing for knife crimes, as well as all other policies around knife crimes, such as targeted interventions, under review. This includes considering approaches adopted in other jurisdictions to reduce violent crime, including knife crime.
The Garda Commissioner and I have also agreed we should carry out further analysis on the level of violent crime in our society, including with our colleagues in public health.
You will further be aware that my Department is developing a community safety policy, which is aimed at ensuring communities are safe and feel safe, through the establishment of inter-agency structures called Local Community Safety Partnerships. These proposals are contained in the Policing and Community Safety Bill, which is being worked on at present in my Department, and the proposed approach will be rolled out and tested in three pilot locations this year.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Appendix
|
ICCS Group
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
2020
|
2021*
|
Grand Total
|
|
06 - Robbery, Extortion and Hijacking Offences
|
23
|
39
|
64
|
79
|
131
|
26
|
362
|
*Figure for 2021 includes up to 18
February only.
Additional Information
Incident data is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available at 01:00 on 19/02/2021 and is liable to change.
