Commissioner Martin Callinan has today noted and welcomed the publication of the Quarter 1, 2013 Crime Statistics by the Central Statistics Office. Speaking at Garda HQ, he highlighted the importance of targeted operations in contributing to the fall in burglary offences:
"I have always maintained that An Garda Síochána is at its most efficient when working in a targeted manner, utilising advanced analytical methodologies. Operation Fiacla was introduced nationwide in February 2012 in response to both the burglary statistics of the time, and the rise of mobile criminal gangs. Since its introduction there have been over 5,000 people arrested and over 2,500 people charged.
I am therefore pleased to see that the hard work of the members of the force is reflected in the 9% reduction in burglaries over an annualised 12 month figure up to the end of Q1 2013.”
Commissioner Callinan acknowledged the fall in other groupings alongside burglaries:
"By continuing to utilise all available legislation, and developing and implementing operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks we will endeavour to ensure that the large reduction in crime categories that impact directly on the day to day life of citizens of the country continue to fall – this Quarterly report has seen:
- a 12% fall in the Attempts/Threats to Murder, Assaults, Harassment and Related Offences group (this group largely consists of assault offences)
- a 14.3% fall in the Weapons and Explosives group (this is driven by reductions in the Possession of Offensive Weapons [not firearms] section)
- a 12.5% fall in the Public Order Offences group
These reductions have a direct impact on the quality of life of people around the country. We will continue to ensure that the work carried out by An Garda Síochána allows law-abiding citizens to live in a peaceful and safe environment.”
The Commissioner concluded by re-iterating the importance of continued co-operation with communities around the country:
"Members of the public should be aware that although policing may not always be delivered in the manner it was previously, this does not mean it is any less effective, or that our commitment to working with and protecting communities is in any way diminished. The proof of this can be seen in the continual commitment of members of An Garda Síochána to ensure crime rates continue to fall, as so many did for the first Quarter of 2013.”
