32 Garda station break-ins since 2003

GARDA STATIONS around the State have been burgled 32 times in five and a half years, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office. A Garda spokesman said the burglaries were a matter of concern.

Garda stations were burgled six times in the first six months of this year, and 12 times last year. This was an increase on 2006 figures when six burglaries were recorded. Just two were recorded in 2005, none in 2004 and six in 2003. The figures emerged after independent deputy Finian McGrath asked a parliamentary question on the issue.

He had sought information on the location of the stations that had been burgled, the items stolen and their estimated value.

This information was not provided, and a spokesman for the Central Statistics Office said it could not be released in case it would affect criminal proceedings.

Mr McGrath said 32 burglaries was "an extremely high figure" and said it raised serious concerns about public trust in the gardaí.

"If a Garda station isn't safe, then what is?" he asked. He said many people already had concerns about giving information to gardaí in case it was traced back to them.

"Especially in cases of gangland feuds, a lot of people have concerns about confidentiality. What happens to that information if the public don't have trust in the security of Garda stations?" he asked.

"I would call on the Minister for Justice and senior Garda management to wake up, smell the coffee and be more proactive in preventing these burglaries."

Most of the thefts from Garda stations do not come to public notice, but earlier this year, the office of Assistant Commissioner Al McHugh on Harcourt Street in Dublin was broken into.

The Department of Justice had no comment to make on the incidence of thefts from Garda stations. A spokesman said the security systems at Garda stations was a matter for An Garda Síochána.

A Garda Press Office spokesman said "burglary of any establishment, including Garda stations, is a matter of concern and a priority for An Garda Síochána. Security at Garda premises is kept under constant review."