Garda chief urges homeowners to lock doors

REACTION:GARDA COMMISSIONER Fachtna Murphy has acknowledged the marked increase in burglary numbers detailed in the latest CSO figures and has urged homeowners to lock their doors.

There was a need for a renewed focus of investigative resources on these crimes, Mr Murphy said yesterday.

“I am conscious that burglary is a crime that can impact significantly on individuals and their sense of security. I want to assure the community that my people continue to target those who are committing burglaries with intelligence-led, focused operations.”

However, he said there was a need for prevention and urged people to take steps to protect their properties. “A few minutes spent locking doors and windows before you leave the house, using an alarm system or ensuring that valuable items are secured will deter many burglars.”

Mr Murphy asked that people keep a look-out for suspicious activity in their communities.

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said it was “heartening” to see a decrease in homicides and sexual offences. However, he also noted the increases in burglary and robbery rates. He had asked the Attorney General to ask the Law Reform Commission to look at mandatory sentencing for these crimes, particularly when “vulnerable” people were targeted.

“Even where violence is not involved, the commissioner and I are very aware of the devastating effects these offences can have on people’s lives.” No area of Government expenditure could be immune from budget cuts but he was determined to maintain the “highest possible level of policing services”, he said.

“I reiterate my determination, in relation to next year’s estimates for my department’s group of votes, that the highest priority be given to frontline policing services and the provision of adequate levels of prison accommodation, so that those brought to justice will serve their full sentences.”

Labour Justice spokesman Pat Rabbitte said the figures on burglaries were of particular concern given the embargo on recruitment and promotion, cutbacks in Garda overtime and the threat to close almost half the Garda stations in the country.

“I accept that in the current grave economic situation, cutbacks in many areas are inevitable, including in the Department of Justice vote. However this must be done in such a way as to ensure that cutbacks don’t contribute to a further growth in crime and leave communities even more vulnerable to criminals,” he said.