Gardaí to prioritise areas hit by burglary

PARTS of the Southside hit by a rash of recent burglaries are to be prioritised by local gardai, a Joint Policing Committee has been told.

At the first full meeting of South Dublin County Council’s (SDCC) Joint Policing Committee senior gardai confirmed that there would be a greater police presence in certain communities in a bid to battle rising burglaries.

Latest figures show there has been an increase in the number of break-ins in the DMR South areas, including Tallaght, Rathfarnham, Terenure and Crumlin.

However, JPC Chairperson, Cllr Deirdre O’Donovan (Ind) welcomed news that on the direction of the Assistant Garda Commissioner, gardai will be targeting those areas worst hit by thieves.

“As part of our first full JPC meeting Superintendent John Quirke announced that the number of burglaries is the main concern for gardai in the county,

? Cllr O’Donovan said.

“It’s now top of their agenda.

“Gardai want to work on preventing burglaries from happening in the first place, and that’s why there will now be more Garda visibility in crime hotspots.

“It was also fantastic to hear that there is a DNA Profile System coming down the line, and that will be another vital resource to help gardai fight these types of crimes.

“My own background is in Neighbourhood Watch,

? Cllr O’Donovan added.

“I run our local scheme and having your home invaded costs you your peace of mind. It is all too common within our communities.

?But there is little gardai can do unless they catch the perpetrators in the act and that’s why the Neighbourhood Watch system is so important.

?

The meeting, which was the first to be held with all new members, including local representatives under SDCC’s Public Participation Network, provides vital opportunity for all pillars of the community to voice concerns.

Many issues were raised, including the problem with scrambler bikes and anti-social behaviour. The gardai also wanted to highlight the increase in

‘fishing’ crimes, where criminals use a fishing rod to steal car keys from hallways.

They have asked that householders make sure that their car keys are not left in the hallway.

Also, they asked people to check key fobs when remotely locking car doors, to make sure that the door is actually locked as this is causing issues.

Cllr O’Donovan added:

“As the new Chairperson of the JPC I look forward to being on the frontline of policy making so that we can finally feel safe in our homes, knowing gardaí are tackling those thieves who think they are above the law.

?