A tougher approach on crime urgently needed – Devlin
Published on: 18 January 2016
Fianna Fáil Press Office
Cllr Cormac Devlin
Dún Laoghaire
18 January 2016
A tougher approach on crime urgently needed – Devlin
Fianna Fáil candidate for Dún Laoghaire Cllr Cormac Devlin warned that a tougher approach on crime was urgently needed when he spoke at the party’s Ard Fheis in City West last weekend.
“Just before Christmas shocking crime figures were published, especially for Dublin. We learned that burglaries in Dublin were up 25 per cent in the past year. And in the Dublin East Garda district, which includes the Dun Laoghaire constituency, we saw a frightening 42 pc increase year on year.
“Compared to two years ago, burglaries were up almost 80%. At this rate of increase we are on course for a doubling in burglaries in my area. That’s what the government calls stability. You couldn’t make it up – unless you’re Enda Kenny.
“This can’t go on and we need a tougher approach. Families should not have to endure their homes being violated in such a way. There is real fear and anxiety out there. But it is greeted with indifference from a government that talks tough but acts soft.
“For the truth is that garda numbers have been savaged. Dublin East is down 20% under this government. Two garda stations with almost 60 gardaí between them were closed down. They say this is smart policing. I say it was a dumb decision.
“If we want security in our homes we won’t get it from this Government. We need more gardaí and tougher sentences for burglars. Mandatory three years jail time is what is required for criminals convicted of burglary.
“And if they double down and do it again and again then we should hike the sentences further and stick them with seven years minimum on a third conviction. Real deterrents are required and they must be enforced.
“The fact is that if we want safer communities that enjoy security and stability, we need to change. Urgently.”
-ENDS-