Irish crime figures show reduction across eight categories

The latest crime figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show a reduction in eight of the fourteen recorded crime categories in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The figures include a 28.8 per cent reduction in homicide offences, a 4.9 per cent reduction in controlled drugs offences, and a 3.6 per cent reduction in weapons and explosives offences.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald paid tribute to An Garda Síochána after they also showed a 5 per cent reduction in burglary offences in the year leading up to 31 December 2015.

Figures for the last quarter of 2015 indicate a reduction of 26.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2014.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “The CSO figures validate the early operational feedback which I received from the Garda Commissioner about the very positive impact of the concentrated efforts of An Garda Síochána to tackle burglary and property crime under Operation Thor.”

She added: “The very welcome reduction in burglary is most encouraging and I believe it vindicates the carefully considered strategy to tackle the scourge of burglary crime by enhancing Garda capacity and improving our legislation.”

However, the release also highlights a 15 per cent increase in sexual offences and a 11.8 per cent increase in assaults and related offences.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “While I welcome the reductions in burglaries and other serious crime categories, the latest crime figures show that we need to maintain investment in Garda resources as well as continuing with the recruitment of new Gardaí.

“With the continuing support of communities throughout the country I am confident that An Garda Síochána will continue to confront criminals and provide protection and reassurance for all law abiding people.”