Drunkenness offences are up 18%,
CRIME was down across the Limerick garda division for the first three months of the year, yet burglaries and thefts continue at unacceptable levels, according to Chief Supt, Dave Sheehan. At the monthly meeting of Limerick County Council’s Joint Policing Committee, the head of the Limerick garda division said that burglaries and the thefts “cause fear across our districts and effect local economies.
“In the main, crime is down across the board,” he told the meeting.
In property crime the theft of valuables from vehicles was up 14% on the first quarter of last year, while theft of bicycles is proving a problem in the district, up 129%.
“We are continually asking people not to leave valuable property in vehicles as it attracts thieves,” he commented.
“The theft of bicycles has risen significantly lately and we have made an arrest of a key suspect in this crime”.
There were no incidents of robbery of cash or goods in transit or aggravated burglary for the quarter, while the theft of vehicles fell significantly from 202 cases to 95.
Crimes against the person were down 20% on the first three months of 2011 with murders down from eight incidents to four, although rape had increased from five to six reported cases.
In relation to criminal damage and public order figures were down 6% in total although Chief Supt Sheehan said that drunkenness offences, up 18%, had let to a number of fines and arrest.
“We have been increasingly issuing fines for drinking in public and there have been a lot of arrests also made and ASBOs (Antisocial Behaviour Order) issued.
“A particular bad spot for this is outside takeaways and such after the pubs and clubs close”.
With regard to drug and weapons offences figures were down 15% on last year.
“The number of drugs for sale and supply are down, but up for personal use,
“We are all acutely aware of the loss of life associated with drug use.
“The use of cocaine has petered away from the days of Celtic Tiger; it seems people can no longer afford it.
“However heroine and cannabis is still prevalent”.
Traffic related crime also fell for the first quarter with fatal collisions down from five last year to one this year. “The drink driving message is certainly getting through,” Supt Sheehan concluded.
