GARDAI and the Department of Justice have been urged to allocate more resources to tackling crime in Tallaght after it emerged that the area accounted for the highest number of burglaries recorded in the State last year.
New statistics published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that gardaà recorded 922 burglaries last year in the Tallaght area, which was the highest rate in the country.
The second highest rate of burglaries in 2011 was recorded in Blanchardstown where members of the public reported 628 incidents to gardai.
Garda stations across the Southside that also recorded high burglary rates last year include Pearse Street (369), Rathfarnham (347) and Dundrum (298).
Deputy Seán Crowe (SF) described the figures as “unacceptable” and said they should serve as a
“wake up call
? for Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and local Garda management.
“Is it right or somehow acceptable that in some estates in areas like Tallaght there are actually more burglaries than the combined numbers reported to many Garda stations around the State?
? he asked.
In addition, he called for an increase in the level of Garda resources allocated to tackling the problem in the Tallaght area.
“The recession and high unemployment combined with a large drug problem are often cited as an excuse for the reported increase but it also has to be related to actual Garda numbers and the extent of policing resources available in the area,
? he stated.
“Burglaries need to be prioritised in any local policing plan and this will require extra gardai being more active in communities throughout Tallaght.
?
Cllr Neale Richmond (FG) also urged residents in the Stepaside area to be vigilant, noting that the new CSO statistics showed an increase in the number of burglaries reported to the local Garda station from 107 in 2010 rising to 135 in 2011.
“I have spoken to the community Garda in Stepaside and he has stressed the need to make sure no bags, wallets or laptops are left in plain sight,
? Cllr Richmond said.
“Also, homeowners are encouraged to make sure that nothing that could help a burglar like a ladder or shovel are left lying around outside and to report any suspicious activities to the gardai.
?
A spokesperson for the Dept of Justice pointed out that Garda Commissioner has introduced a wide range of measures as part of Operation Fiacla, which is aimed at tackling gangs involved in burglaries.
He said these measures focused on identifying and targeting mobile gangs involved in burglaries around the country, in order to disrupt their activities and bring them before the courts.
“Specific burglary related initiatives are being implemented in each Garda region in support of Operation Fiacla,
? the spokesperson said.
“This is a coordinated, intelligence-led strategy designed to maximise organisational resources in order to proactively target prolific offenders.
?
“Similarly, the Garda national model of community policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs.
“In this regard the gardaà continue to work closely with communities to enhance community safety in a wide range of local forums, including through partnership programmes such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch.
?
The Garda press office declined to comment on the issue.