29 reported incidents of knife crime in the Tallaght area so far this year

By Mary Dennehy

THERE has been 29 reported incidents of knife crime in the Tallaght area since the start of the year, The Echo has learned.

In recent months, citywide calls have been made for the introduction of a knife amnesty across communities in the capital, and the introduction of stricter penalties for those caught using or in possession of a knife.

Here in Tallaght some 29 incidents involving a knife have been reported to gardai since January 1 – with these crimes including murder, domestic violence, criminal damage, robberies and assaults.

It also includes people caught in possession of a knife.

Since January, two people tragically lost their lives in separate stabbing incidents in Tallaght – teenager Reece Cullen (17) lost his life after being fatally stabbed in Jobstown on January 5, and Graham McKeever (32) died after being attacked at an apartment on Deerpark Avenue on February 18.

There have also been a number of non-fatal stabbing incidents investigated

Speaking with The Echo, Tallaght Superintendent Peter Duff said: “We have had 29 incidents involving knife crime across the area since January 1.

“These incidents cover murder, domestic violence, criminal damage, robberies, assaults and possession.

“There is nothing to suggest that knife crime in the area is up or down, it has always been on the radar and is a constant.”

When asked about the reported rise in people carrying knives, Supt Duff added: “The simple possession of a knife or any sharp object is a criminal offence, unless there is a lawful defence, and people have been arrested and prosecuted for possession.

“Our advice to people is to not carry a knife, it’s dangerous and you can be prosecuted.

“I think some young lads think it’s cool to carry a knife. However, if somebody is carrying a knife and they lose their temper it can have very serious consequences for themselves and others.

“We do liaise with communities in relation to this type of crime and issues around the possession of a knife are brought up by officers in school visits and at various community policing initiatives.”

In 2010, a quadruple stabbing at a house party in Tallaght saw Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Sean Crowe, who was then a councillor, call for a knife crime awareness and education campaign, which would include a knife amnesty.

Speaking with The Echo this week, Deputy Crowe said that carrying a knife is becoming “more acceptable”.

He said: “I think there is a still the need for people to talk about knife crime, we need to open up debate on the issue.

“I think a knife amnesty is not necessarily just about the handing in of weapons, but importantly it is about starting the conversation on carrying knives and the consequences.

“I’m hearing that more and more young people are carrying knives because they don’t feel safe and it’s becoming more acceptable.

“However, sadly this issue only comes onto the radar when there is a tragedy or somebody is seriously injured.”

He added: “I think parents and community groups need to come together and get the conversation started – with support from gardai and elected representatives.

“However, ideally, this conversation shouldn’t be led by grey-haired politicians. It should be led by communities and young people themselves.”