Burglary spike – figures show 58% increase
THERE has been a 58 per cent increase in burglaries in Clondalkin since the start of the year – with theft becoming a “major issue” in the area.
Not alone have there been increases in burglaries, but theft from premises and establish-ments have also jumped by 33 per cent, while robberies of motor vehicles are also up by 52 per cent.
Burglaries and theft were the main focus at the recent Local Community Policing Meeting in the Green Isle Hotel on Thursday.
Sergeant Stephen Lydon told The Echo that the increase in burglary has been very noticeable in the first four months of the year, with 158 incidents since January.
He said: “It is a major issue, there is no doubt about it. We are doing various initiatives in relation to burglaries and we have been doing so for awhile.”
Sergeant Lydon also confirmed that Gardaí have been engaging with communities about preventing crime and theft at home.
Crime Prevention Officer Vinny Connolly spoke at the meeting on Thursday about the issue and also took questions from residents about securing their home.
Local neighbourhood watch pages have reported incidents all across the area, including thefts or attempted break-ins on Monastery Road, Boot Road, Glenfield, Lealand, Hazelwood and Harelawn over the last four weeks.
Although the number of burglaries has soared, Gardaí did confirm that muggings are down 78 per cent over the last number of months.
In the same period Gardaí recorded a 41 per cent decrease in the detection of offensive weapons, a 42 per cent drop in seizures of drugs for sale or supply and carried out 294 personal searches.
Arrests for public order offences in Clondalkin are also down on 2014 with just 32 arrests this year and Sergeant Lydon confirming that the figures only reflect cases where an arrest was made.
Since January there have been 16 drunk driving arrests, representing an increase of 14 per cent, and 108 vehicle seizures arising from driving without insurance.
The recent meeting was attended by Gardaí, representatives from South Dublin County Council as well as councillors and members of the public.
