Rise in car thefts particularly Japanese imported vehicles
THERE has been a sharp spike in car thefts, with Gardaí pointing the finger at cars imported from Japan which have no immobiliser.
Vehicle thefts in Tallaght increased from 97 in 2021 to 213 last year, which represents a 45 per cent increase.
A meeting of the West Tallaght Community Safety Forum Meeting heard how a lot of crime statistics had increased year on year.
Shop thefts rose from 509 in 2021 to 713 in 2022, while the number of criminal damage cases increased from 582 to 900.
Superintendent of Tallaght Garda Station, Tomás Gormley highlighted vehicle thefts in particular as they had the largest percentage increase.
“There has been a sharp spike in thefts of Japanese imported cars,” Supt Tomás Gormley told residents and representatives at the meeting in The Plaza Hotel.
“The cars are sold with no immobilisers, so they are easy to steal. They just gain access to the car and use a screwdriver.
“Maybe get an old steering wheel lock if you have one of these cars.
“It’s similar to 20- or 30-years-ago when European cars were sold without proper security systems or immobilisers.
“For me and the team, these stats dictate our policing response as we try to reduce the victimisation levels.
“If we can reduce the chance of victimisation, then we have less crime and the less crime the better because it provides a safer community.”
Breach of an order relating to domestic violence incidence decreased by nine per cent, which represented the only statistical decrease on the crime statistics list shown at the meeting.
However, it was highlighted that there has been an upward trend of domestic violence generally and as a result in cases, a domestic assault coordination unit has been established by Tallaght Garda Station.
Members of An Garda Síochána asked the public to call 999 to report or discuss a crime, or contact Tallaght Garda Station directly on 01 666 6000.
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