Residents concerned over spate of burglaries

CONCERN has been expressed over the recent spike in burglaries across the Northside.

Donaghmede ward councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha (SF) said that in Kilbarrack alone, in the space of a fortnight,

“around 20 homes

? were broken into.

The Department of Justice confirmed to Northside People that Minister Alan Shatter has already been in contact with the Garda authorities on this matter.

A woman from Kilbarrack, who did not wish to be named, told Northside People that her house was one of those broken into in recent weeks.

The woman’s eternity ring, a St Christopher medal and two pairs of earrings were stolen from her jewellery box after the thief ransacked her bedroom. A sum of e320 in cash and an English £10 note were also stolen.

“I was absolutely sick and couldn’t believe it had happened,

? she said.

“It leaves an awful effect. I have gone very paranoid, and when we are going out now, we are worried.

“I didn’t care so much about the money, but the ring and the medal were of great sentimental value. My husband had the ring specially made 31 years ago when my daughter was born, and my sister bought me the medal for my 60th birthday.

“I usually never take the ring off, but I only took it off two days previously because it was hurting me a bit. It has nine red and white stones in it.

“I would really love to get the ring and medal back. All I have now is photographs of me wearing them.

?

The woman’s home was burgled while she was at bingo, and there was no one in the house at the time. She believes the thief struck when her husband went to collect her at around 10pm.

Cllr Mac Donncha said people need to be extra vigilant in the run up to Christmas as in this period the number of house break-ins and other forms of theft, such as robberies from cars, increases.

“Residents in Kilbarrack are especially concerned given the recent concentrated spate of burglaries there,

? he stated.

“It seems to be a well organised gang or gangs involved in this. I have been in touch with the gardai and urged pro-active engagement with the community.

“Garda advice should be taken in terms of securing homes with quality security locks as many burglaries are taking place when people leave their houses for a short period of time.

“There is special concern among older people and their neighbours are urged to keep an eye on them.

?

Cllr Mac Donncha has urged people to co-operate with the gardai in their efforts to protect homes in the area.

“But this needs to be matched at Government level also, with greater commitment to enhancing Garda numbers and resources in our communities,

? he added.

Meanwhile, Dublin Bay North TD Finian McGrath (Ind) raised the burglaries issue with Minister Shatter earlier this month and was given details of the policing measures, as well as community engagement by gardaí in the area.

Deputy McGrath was told the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel and other resources among the Garda regions, divisions and districts.

“In that context Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the light of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible policing can be delivered,

? a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said.

“As the Minister has recently announced, arrangements are currently being finalised in conjunction with the Garda Commissioner and the Public Appointments Service for holding a Garda recruitment competition.

“It is expected that the first batch of new recruits will enter the Garda College in mid-2014.

“The Minister has also indicated that he is conscious of the continuing pressures on the Garda fleet and, in that regard, he is very pleased to have secured a further e9 million for investment in the fleet, made up of e5 million between now and the end of the year and a further e4 million in 2014.

“At this stage, arising from the additional e5 million being made available between October and December, the Garda authorities have arranged for the delivery of 305 new vehicles by the end of 2013. These are in addition to the 133 new Garda vehicles already made available during the year.

?

The spokesman said that the most recent investment will bring to e18 million the total amount spent on the Garda fleet for the three years 2012 to 2014.

“This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited,

? he added.