NEW crimes statistics that indicate falling crimes rates in the Dublin North Garda Division have been welcomed by a local TD.
The CSO figures published earlier this month show a drop in categories like robbery and drink and drug driving. Labour TD, John Lyons, described the figures as
“hugely encouraging
?.
“According to the figures for the area which includes Ballymun, Raheny, Coolock and Balbriggan, burglaries are down 12.5 per cent while robbery and extortion are down by over 50 per cent,
? he said.
“In the category dangerous/negligent acts – which includes crimes like drink and drug-driving – there has been a 24 per cent fall in crime rates.
“These are hugely encouraging figures and show the value of close cooperation between the Gardaà and the community in forums like Safer Ballymun.
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Deputy Lyons recently made a submission to the Dublin North Division Policing Plan with suggestions on how to further reduce crime.
“I stressed the importance of constant contact with the community to overcome issues like anti-social behaviour,
? he continued.
“The tireless work of our Gardaà is to be commended and I will continue to work with them to benefit our communities.
?
The National Crime Victims Helpline also welcomed the
“more positive
? crime statistics but expressed concern about some categories under which crime nationally has increased.
“The significant increase in the number of
‘thefts from the person’ (up 33.4 per cent) is of concern,
? a spokesperson said.
“The total number of people who reported this crime for the year to the end of June was 5,729. In this same category, reported
‘theft from shops’ rose fractionally to 20,178; while in the overall category
‘Theft and related offences’ there was a slight increase – with a total of 77,022 crimes reported.
“What these figures mean to us is that there are thousands of people who have been affected by this type of crime, and by the sense of loss, of unfairness, of anxiety and of fear that all too often are present for the person who has been victimised.
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However, Maeve Ryan, coordinator of the helpline said the crime statistics were
“generally positive and to be welcomed.
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The free National Crime Victims Helpline is 116006. The number for texts is 085-1337711.