by Alan Jacques
GARDAÍ in Newcastle West are winning the fight against crime.
This was the clear message from Superintendent for the district, Tom O’Connor, at this Wednesday’s monthly local area council meeting. However, he called on the people of County Limerick to be vigilant, to liaise with their local Gardaí and to educate themselves in how best to prevent crime and deter criminals.
Crime figures for the Newcastle West district for 2015 showed clear signs that despite lack of resources Gardaí in the area are making huge strides in the war against crime in West Limerick.
Burglaries were down from 214 in 2014 to 205 last year. Thefts on shops decreased from 110 in 2014 to 76 in 2015, and there was also a fall on ‘thefts on the person’ from 228 in 2014 to 167 last year.
“We have criminals coming into the area from as far away as Dublin,” Supt O’Connor pointed out.
“We need people to help identify them and let us know if they see any suspicious vehicles targeting areas so we can take the appropriate action in the fight against criminals.”
The drug problem was still evident from the latest crime figures for the region with Supt O’Connor expressing his concern.
Charges for possession of drugs for sale or supply rose from five in 2014 to 15 last year. There were 43 charged for possession of drugs for personal use in the Newcastle West district in 2015, up from 28 the previous year.
“The main problem in these areas is people are coming in from outside, but we have made huge efforts to target the sale and supply of drugs,” he told council members.
Sinn Fein councillor Seamus Browne complimented Gardaí for their efforts in their fight on drugs in West Limerick.
Meanwhile, according to the Superintendent’s crime figures for the region, 230 licensed premises were also inspected last year resulting in 35 licensing offences.
Supt O’Connor said there had been a 60 per cent increase last year, up on 2014, for the numbers of licensed premises selling alcohol to underage customers.
“A second offence and license holders will be prosecuted and as a result could face closing orders. Safety measures need to be put in place so this does not happen,” he warned.
