An Garda Síochána has welcomed the publication by the CSO of the crime statistics for 2017.
"The crime statistics are a vital tool for An Garda Síochána in helping us to prevent and detect crime. They are also very valuable in informing the public and policy makers about crime levels in the country. The publication of the crime statistics today is a welcome development,” said Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey.
An Garda Síochána fully respects the independence of the CSO in publishing the crime statistics in whatever manner they see fit and recognises that they are being published with the designation of "under reservation”.
An Garda Síochána has stated for some time that it needs to greatly improve its data quality and a range of measures have been implemented or are being implemented to do this.
"The publication of the crime statistics is a step in the right direction, but we know we need to do a lot more in this area. We will be working closely with the CSO on an improvement plan so that we are satisfied that our data properly supports operational policing and the CSO can remove the ‘under reservation’ designation,” said Deputy Commissioner Twomey.
Commenting on the crime statistics figures for 2017, Deputy Commissioner Twomey said that as the CSO pointed out it was important to look not only at the figures for 2017 but at longer term trends. "For instance, while burglaries did increase overall in 2017, this was from a low level as burglaries had significantly dropped in recent years due to Operation Thor.”
"Any rise in crime is a concern. An Garda Síochána regularly monitor crime trends and puts in place operations to address any crimes that are rising. For example, a multi-strand operation to tackle assaults is currently being examined,” commented Deputy Twomey.
He added that while more analysis would be required, it was An Garda Síochána’s belief that the rise in sexual assaults was due to increased reporting, which would be welcome.
An Garda Síochána notes that according to the CSO the increase between previously published homicide figures and the figures published today is primarily concentrated in Dangerous driving leading to death category. The Garda review into homicides dating back to 2003 is continuing.
Deputy Twomey said that reductions over recent years in crime categories such as robbery, burglary, thefts, damage to property and public order were a real demonstration of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of An Garda Síochána.
