Gardaí have seized more than 13,000 knives since 2016, new figures show

Gardaí seized over 13,000 knives over the past seven years, according to a figures provided to a Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Alan Farrell said  that 13,138 knives have been seized by Gardai since 2016 which is a “staggering number”.

“Anti-social behaviour, in all its forms is intolerable, however if an individual is carrying a weapon, it dramatically increases the danger to the general public.

“We cannot allow thugs to think they can roam our streets armed with a knife or any other weapon.

“2,146 knives were seized in 2022 alone, this equates to nearly 6 knives seized every day.

“In 2022, 905 knives were seized in the Dublin Region, up from 812 in 2021. 128 knives were seized in Cork City; 164 seizures in Louth; while Galway saw 105 knives seized, in 2022.

“There has been a steady increase in the amount of knives being seized annually by the Gardai, in 2016, 1,203 knives were seized, and this number rose to 2,146 last year, a staggering 78 percent increase over the seven year period.

“Clearly any stabbing has the potential to cause irreparable harm and has had tragic consequences for families and individuals up and down the country.

“According to the information obtained, the 2016 – 2018 increase in garda seizures is due to the introduction of a new system which improved the level of recording of all objects seized, including knives.

“More recent increases in seizures are also due to proactive policing operations, particularly during 2020 with the increased Garda presence due to COVID-19.

“It is clear that high visibility policing works and is a key tool in building stronger, safer communities.

“There are currently 14,100 members of the force, an increase of 10% since 2015. Budget 2023 also provides for 1,000 new Gardaí and over 400 new Garda staff in 2023.”