Following publication today by the Central Statistics Office of the crime statistics for Q1 2014, Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan commented:
"The continuing hard work and dedication of members of An Garda Síochána is demonstrated in the fall in 10 of the 14 crime groups. This could not have been achieved without the close partnership we enjoy with communities. Our focus is on ensuring we continue to work closely with communities around the country to keep them safe.
A key concern for communities and individuals are crimes that affect their daily lives. As such, it is welcome that we have achieved reductions in burglary (down 1.4%), damage to property (down 8.7%), and public order (down 14.8%).
It is also good to see a 11.6% decrease in the Dangerous and Negligent Acts category, which has largely been driven by a fall in dangerous driving over the limit. We continue to appeal to all road users to act responsibly, slow down and never drink and drive.
There was, however, a significant increase in the Homicide Offences category. While this rise is not attributable to organised crime, any increase in murders is a matter of concern for An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána pursues all murder investigations vigorously. We have a strong record of successful detections of murders and a large number of arrests have already been made in relation to murders committed in Q1.
I would appeal to everyone to consider the terrible impact this crime has. Not only has someone lost their life, but communities, and more importantly, families and friends will face years of devastation and grief in an attempt to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. It is imperative that people think about the potentially devastating consequences of their actions before they act as lives can be changed in an instant.
We continue to closely monitor emerging crime trends and put in place targeted and co-ordinated measures to tackle them.
For example, reducing Thefts and Related Offences remains a key focus for us. Measures to lower the number of these offences taken recently include a campaign to educate people on protecting their car from being broken into.”
Notes:
The CSO use annualised figures, comparing the last 12 months to the same period last year.
The CSO break crime figures down into 15 groups and report against them accordingly. One group is only reported on annually - Group 14 Road Traffic Offences Not Elsewhere Covered.
