Ahern welcomes reductions shown by crime statistics

Effects of new Garda measures to deal with sexual offences noted

The Central Statistics Office today published the recorded crime statistics for the second quarter of 2010. Speaking after publication, the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D. welcomed the decrease in 10 of the 14 crime groups for which figures are given, compared with the same quarter in 2009. 

Minister Ahern said: "These figures show the effects of the Government's initiatives for tackling crime and the resources made available and the continuous work of the members of An Garda Síochána. However, this work is unceasing, and the Garda Commissioner and I are determined that it will continue relentlessly."

Minister Ahern welcomed in particular the reductions in the numbers of cases of murder - down 20% in the quarter, compared with the same quarter last year, and 10.2% year on year.

Commenting on the increase of 52.3% in the number of sexual offences in the quarter and 26.5% year on year, the Minister said: "As the CSO points out, this increase is due to an on-going review of all cases involving alleged sexual offences reported to An Garda Síochána. These cases were reported at various times in the past - not only in the last quarter." 

Last April, An Garda Síochána made publicly available its policy on the investigation of sexual crime, including child abuse. As part of that policy, designated Gardaí have responsibility for ensuring that all sexual crime incidents are recorded and reviewed on the Garda PULSE system. At the time of publication of the policy, the Commissioner emphasised the importance of combining professionalism with sensitivity and compassion in the investigation of such crimes.    

The statistics show an increase of 33.9% in robbery, extortion and hijacking offences, although there were decreases in burglary and related offences (down 0.2%) and theft and related offences (down 0.7%).

Minister Ahern continued: "Both the Commissioner and I are concerned at the increase in robbery and related offences, which, while making up just 3% of such property offences, are extremely distressing for victims. One of the policing priorities which I set for An Garda Síochána in 2010 is achieving maximum levels of safety for local communities. I welcome the results of recent intelligence led Garda operations targeting organised crime." 

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 was a further reduction of 6.1% in controlled drug offences in the quarter. All categories decreased, with the exception of the cultivation or manufacture of drugs, which increased by 96.9%.

The Minister said: "I congratulate the Gardaí whose operations have led to this increase in detections."

There have been decreases in all categories of driving related offences - dangerous driving leading to death (down 50%), 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 road fatalities to date this year, which shows a reduction of 22 compared to the same period last year. All of us - road users and those responsible for enforcement and promoting road safety - must continue to strive to reduce this figure further.

The numbers of offences of discharging and possessing a firearm have reduced, as has the number of disorderly conduct offences.

The crime statistics are available on the CSO website www.cso.ie.

29 July 2010