Ahern Welcomes Fall In Crime Figures

The Central Statistics Office has published the latest recorded crime statistics for the first quarter of 2010.

Speaking after the publication, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern T.D, welcomed  the decrease in 13 of the 14 crime groups for which figures are given, compared with the same quarter in 2009.  

Minister Ahern said: "These figures show that the Government's policies on tackling crime and the resources made available, along with the outstanding work of the dedicated members of An Garda Síochána, are having a positive effect. However, there are no grounds for complacency, and the Garda Commissioner and I are determined that the ongoing work in tackling crime will continue."

Minister Ahern welcomed in particular the reductions of 28% in the number of homicides and 5.8% in the number of sexual offences. 

While there is no acceptable level of homicide, he noted that the number of cases of murder and manslaughter showed no increase either in the quarter or in the year to the end of the quarter.  

The Minister said: "The decrease in sexual offences is a particularly welcome development. In the last few days An Garda Síochána has made its policy on the investigation of sexual crime, including child abuse, publicly available. The Commissioner has emphasised the importance of combining professionalism with sensitivity and compassion in the investigation of such crimes. I am confident that the Garda policy and making it publicly available will encourage victims of such repulsive crimes to come forward."  

There was a reduction of 17.2% in controlled drug offences in the quarter. While the Minister welcomed the decreases in various categories of drug offences, he said: "I remain deeply concerned at the activities of so-called headshops. I can confirm that, in addition to measures being taken to deal with this menace under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, I am finalising proposals which I will bring to Government in the next week or so to ensure that the full weight of the criminal justice system is brought to bear on those who trade in what are sold as 'legal highs'".

The statistics show reductions of 2.8% in burglary and related offences and 2.9% in theft and related offences, although there was an increase of 24.3% in robbery, extortion and hijacking offences (which make up 3% of such property offences).

Minister Ahern continued: "Both the Commissioner and I have been concerned at the increase in property theft shown in recent crime figures. 

"One of the policing priorities which I set for An Garda Síochána in 2010 is achieving maximum levels of safety for local communities. I am glad to see the decrease in this type of crime in the quarter." 

An Garda Síochána will continue to develop and implement strategies to target those committing such crimes, which are often carried out against vulnerable members of the community.

There have been decreases in all categories of driving related offences - dangerous driving leading to death (down 77.8%), dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and driving or being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs. 

These decreases are reflected in the number of fatal road collisions to date this year, which show a reduction of 16 compared to the same period last year. 

Changes in the behaviour of road users are contributing to this welcome trend, as is constant, focused Garda enforcement.

All categories of weapons and explosives offences, with the exception of fireworks offences, show decreases, as do disorderly conduct offences.