In response to the publication of the CSO's 2012 Annual Report, Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan commented:
"The CSO’s 2012 Annual Report shows that reductions in crime rates were achieved in many of the crime groups such as homicide, theft, assaults, damage to property, controlled drugs, and public order between 2008 and 2012.
In total, reductions in nine of the 15 crime groups were achieved during this time. This demonstrated An Garda Síochána’s focus on keeping our communities safe and tackling crime in all its forms.
An Garda Síochána proactively monitors emerging crime trends and patterns, and operations are constantly assessed and reviewed to ensure that targeted and co-ordinated measures are put in place.
For example, following an increase in burglary and related offences, Operation Fiacla, which is a national, multi-unit operation targeting travelling burglary gangs, was introduced and the latest figures from the CSO (Q3 2013) show a 10.9% decrease in burglary and related offences.
An Garda Síochána's primary focus has always been on preventing crimes from taking place, but when they do occur we ensure that all relevant resources are utilised to help bring those behind them to justice.
I welcome the CSO finding that there was an increase or no decrease in detection rates in eight of the 15 groups. In addition, the CSO report states that over the long-term detection rates for the majority of offences are quite stable.
Ensuring detections rates are kept as high as possible will continue to be a major priority for An Garda Síochána so as try to improve these figures.”
Editor's Notes
* According to the CSO, the rise in the number of recorded Sexual Offences is mainly due to an on-going review of all cases involving alleged Sexual Offences reported to An Garda Síochána. Some of these offences will have occurred at some distance in the past but are represented on the date of reclassification. This review is being undertaken in conjunction with the Garda Síochána policy on the investigation of sexual crime, which was introduced in April 2010.
* One of the reasons for the rise in the Kidnapping and related offences group is that a new category of incidents such as human trafficking were added to the Kidnapping and related offences during the period in question.
