Garda searches in Ballyfermot and Clondalkin up by almost 300%

By Echo Reporter

GARDA searches of individuals on the street in the Ballyfermot/Clondalkin district increased by close to 300 per cent over the last three years.

Latest garda figures indicate there were 1,278 searches of individuals from January to March this year.

In the corresponding period in 2015, there were 336 searches, and in 2016 this had risen to 897.

Senior gardai say this reflects part of their work that is carried out behind the scenes, which often goes unnoticed in the wider public eye.

Seizure of vehicles in the district increased by over 200 per cent in the same period, from 115 to 262 cases in January to March 2017.

The seizures, under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, often refer to vehicles seized from motorists for having no insurance or road tax.

Meanwhile, burglaries in the district decreased to 26 cases in January to March 2017 – from 70 cases in the corresponding period 2015.

Approximately a third of the burglary cases refer to business premises, according to gardai.

The highest proportion of cases (35 per cent) occurred during 6pm to 10pm, although gardai say there is “no discernable pattern” with regard to the time burglaries are committed.