Policing body to target crime on the Southside

THE theft of mobile phones will be one of the specific issues addressed by one of Dublin City Council’s policing forums on the Southside.

Gardaí have warned members of the public to be careful in relation to the security of their mobile phones following a series of thefts in night clubs, public houses and restaurants.

The warning comes as the South East Area Joint Policing Sub-committee (JPC) outlines its priorities for the rest of the year.

The JPC is a forum made up of public representatives, senior Garda management, senior local authority officials and representatives from the community.

The sub-committee meets on a quarterly basis and its objectives over the coming months will be to work on the development of greater public awareness and safety issues that are impacting on the quality of life in Dublin South East.

“The work plan for 2013 sets out our objectives to keep under review the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area and to tackle the underlying factors,

? said chairperson, Councillor Edie Wynne.

Priority issues for this year include a reduction in the level of anti-social behaviour in public parks and open spaces while providing alternatives to young people.

A general reduction in the level of criminal damage across the South East Area of Dublin and an emphasis on ensuring people feel safe in their homes and communities are other objectives.

Crime statistics for Rathmines Garda Station show an increase in theft for the first eight weeks of the year in comparison to the same period in 2012. However, statistics show a reduction in robbery from the person, burglary and overall property crime.

For Pearse Street and Donnybrook stations the first eight weeks also saw an increase in some categories of robberies.