Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has highlighted the need for a renewed partnership between Gardaí and the community in tackling crimes such as burglary and theft.
Commenting on the publication by the Central Statistics Office of crime statistics for the first quarter of 2008, the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has highlighted the need for a renewed partnership between Gardaí and the community in tackling crimes such as burglary and theft. "The figures published by the CSO today show an increase in the crimes of burglary, theft and robbery which have a very real impact on the quality of life in our community. Gardaí will continue to target the people who are committing these crimes with intelligence-led, focused operations. Given that burglaries and thefts, in particular, are opportunistic crimes, we would appeal once again to people to take care of their property and not leave their homes and property vulnerable to criminals who are looking for an easy profit."
The Commissioner’s comments follow on from a nationwide crime prevention campaign in late April which focused on reducing the levels of burglary and theft. This campaign was driven by an early analysis of the first quarter’s crime figures and demonstrated the need for gardaí and communities to work together to tackle crime in their areas.
Commissioner Murphy welcomed the new format of the crime statistics and acknowledged partnership between An Garda Síochána and the Central Statistics Office in devising the new format. Pointing to the additional information which is now available to the public about the nature and number of crimes across a range of categories, he said: "This presentation of statistics allows the public to see clearly the levels of garda activity in dealing with public order and drugs offences. Offence levels in these categories are largely driven by proactive garda activity to effectively address behaviour that has an adverse impact on our communities in towns and cities across the country."
Acknowledging that significant work is required to turn the upwards crime trend around, the Commissioner said that An Garda Síochána is focused with the energy, commitment and professionalism required to meet that challenge.
He concluded: "Last Wednesday I brought together the entire management team and all operational Chief Superintendents to discuss the current crime levels and share learning and best practice across the various initiatives and operations in place to target volume crime, organised crime and public order. My senior management team and I will continue a programme of crime performance meetings in every region to monitor how we are addressing challenges at a local level. Our focused work will continue and we remain committed to working with the community and other agencies to ensure the safety and security of people throughout the country."
Garda Press office
28/05/08
Ref: 669/08
