Sharp surge in vehicle thefts in Limerick
THERE has been a sharp rise in the number of vehicle thefts in Limerick over the past year, new statistics have revealed.
Speaking at a special council meeting, called in response to an upsurge of anti-social behaviour in the city centre,
Superintendent Andrew Lacey, Henry Street garda station, revealed the increase, which he described as "the most significant" in terms of crime figures recorded.
Year-on-year, he told council members, there has been a 160% upsurge in the "unauthorised taking of vehicles".
Separately, he also said there has been an annual rise of 117% in terms of behavioural warnings issued by gardai this year.
This is the first step which must be taken before an anti-social behaviour order can be issued from the courts.
It is a means of putting a person on notice that their behaviour is causing distress and fear, and outlines the possible consequences of failing to comply with the warning.
At the meeting, Supt Lacey outlined how officers from Roxboro Road and Henry Street garda stations had teamed up to provide specialist patrols around the city centre.
Incidents recorded by gardai attached to Henry Street are recorded as being 'City North' while proceedings recorded by gardai at Roxboro are recorded as being linked to 'City South'.
Thefts against the person were up 20% year-on-year, according to figures associated with Henry Street, while incidents recorded by officers at Roxboro Road were up 40%.
Criminal damage was up 26% in City North and up 20% in City South.
However, public order arrests were down 13% (City North) and 10% (City South).
There was a drop in assault causing harm of 27% in City North, with a 2% rise in City South.
And minor assaults were up 3% on the northside, but down 14% on the southside. Incidents of begging were up by 26% on the northside.
The meeting was called at the behest of Fianna Fail councillor Catherine Slattery.
She claimed the city centre has become a "ghost town" after six o'clock at night.
"People are frightened to go too far from their homes because if you go into the city at the weekend, there is not a garda in sight if something happens. There is open drug-dealing going on. There are sex workers every night in Pery Square who are drawing cars around the area and walkers are frightened to go into this area at night.
“Open drug-dealing is occurring all day every day and at night," Cllr Slattery added.