Meeting told of drop in crime figures

A DROP in most crimes has been reported at a meeting of the Sandyford/Stepaside local Garda forum. 

Deputy Josepha Madigan (FG) attended the recent meeting to hear about local crime issues and rates.

The meeting was told that there are currently 65,000 people residing in the Dundrum Stepaside area, based on the 2011 census.

There are also 81 gardai attached to Dundrum Garda Station, down four on the February figure of 85.

The meeting heard that re- ported burglaries were down in the area by 25 to 27 per cent while thefts on the person were also down by 17 per cent on the same period last year.

However, criminal damage is up 17 per cent. Thefts from cars has shown an increase lately although in the majority of cases, there is no sign of forced entry to the car.

“So when you lock up at night, lock the front door and check that the car is locked and do not leave car keys in the hall or near the door,” Deputy Madigan advised.

“Nationally, the CSO 2015 figures are generally positive, as they show a drop in homicide by 28 per cent, robbery by two per cent, and burglary by  five per cent, although, regrettably, sexual violence is up by 15 per cent.”

There were 57 homicides in 2015, 23 of which were caused by dangerous driving. This shows a 59 per cent drop in homicides since a peak of 138 in 2006.

Deputy Madigan, who is a lawyer and legislator, believes that operation THOR and a refocus of Garda operations has had a significant effect.

“The Text Alert community scheme has been a success and I invite all residents’ associations to get involved in the scheme,” Deputy Madigan added.

“The new Government intends to increase Garda numbers to 15,000, introduce a new mini CAB to target minor drug dealers, and review Garda dispersal.”