ACCORDING to Garda reports, controlled drug offences are up in Limerick, compared to 2008. The increase, they say, reflects positive action in this area of crime, with the detection of the cultivation of drugs and possession of controlled drugs having risen significantly.
There has been an increase in the reported number of public order and anti-social offences since last year, but again Gardaí say this reflects positively on the number of offences detected, thanks to the enforcement of legislation.
The number of burglaries in Limerick has increased this year, particularly in the city, and the report states these were contributed to by four criminal gangs who have been identified by Gardaí. According to the report, the gangs were targeted in intelligence led operations, and, assisted by Garda resources from adjoining Divisions, all four gangs were effectively dismantled. Property was recovered and charges laid.
Regarding public order, issues continue to be a major focus of policing activity and 47 behaviour warnings have been issued to young persons so far this year, with 22 issued to adults.
A dedicated Garda Inspector is in place to deal with all issues of the Policing Goal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity. Seventy sergeants and gardaí have been trained as ethnic liaison officers and deal directly through formal bodies and informal day to day contact with ethnic minorities and other culturally diverse communities. No racially motivated incidents have been reported in Limerick so far in 2009.
Overall crime levels in Limerick are down 16 per cent on last year.
