THERE were no fatal collisions in Limerick city during the past four months, according to latest Garda statistics which recorded three collisions resulting in serious injury during the same period. Collisions resulting in non-serious injury were up from 37 last year to 39 and collisions resulting in material damage fell from 283 to 233 this year, while there was a decline from 80 to 65 in driving while intoxicated offences.
Possession of drugs for personal use fell from 164 to 126 cases, with the number of cases of possession of drugs for sale or supply falling from 53 to 40. There was just one possession of a firearm offence and one for the firing of a firearm.
No murders were recorded for the 12 month period. There were three rapes, down one from last year; 15 sexual assaults, up 4 from last year; two murder threats, down three from last year; 25 assaults causing harm, down one; 96 minor assaults, up 15 from last year and no human trafficking offences.
Robberies from persons increased from 16 last year to 18; non-aggravated burglaries fell from 171 to 145; the unauthorised theft of vehicles fell from 93 to 61 and interference with vehicles fell from 40 to just 10. Theft of bicycles remains the same as last year at 33. Property crime in the city fell from 939 cases to 821 for the quarter.
While gardai are satisfied that “the figures seem to be going n the right direction”, they are concerned that there has been a spate of robberies against the person in the last few weeks. However, cases of interference with cars is down by 47% and gardaí believe that groups from Garryowen and Southil are the main culprits.
“Theft from shops is slightly increased and thefts from vehicles are mainly due to owners’ carelessness – leaving bags visible to passers-by and keys in the car locks.”
