Statement by Garda Commissioner on the release of Quarterly Crime Statistics.
Commenting on the publication by the Central Statistics Office of crime statistics for the final quarter of 2008, the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has welcomed the fall in murder figures for the year.
He said: "The decrease in deaths by violence in this country over the course of 2008 is welcome. Nonetheless, as an organisation, we are maintaining our focus on areas such as gangland crime, particularly in light of a number of serious incidents at the start of this year to ensure that this downward trend continues."
The Commissioner also emphasised the priority he continues to give to tackling drug crime.
"By targeting drug crime, we can have an impact across all crime categories from serious violent crime through to thefts, robberies and public order. I therefore welcome the continuing increase in drug detections and seizures in 2008 which resulted from targeted and intelligence-led garda activity at both local and national level."
The Garda Commissioner noted the upward trend in burglary saying he understands how an increase in this crime would clearly concern the community.
"We are using our analysis service and other resources to inform and design operations to address the problem of burglary and other volume crime".
A strong focus on crime prevention and reduction as well as the rollout of the renewed model of community policing will also help to build partnerships between An Garda Síochána and communities so that we can work together to find local solutions to local problems."
Garda Press Office
6th February 2009
