Calls to retain rural stations as local crime figures rocket

Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen has called on Justice Minister Alan Shatter to reconsider plans to close local garda stations after the latest crime figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The figures released by the CSO show a 32% increase in burglaries in the Laois/Offaly Garda Division between 2010 and 2011, and a massive 63% increase in similar crimes in the same region between the first and last quarter last year. The crime stats reveal a total of 325 burglaries and related offences in the region in the last three months of 2011, compared to 200 similar offences in the first three months of the same year. In total 2011 saw 974 burglaries and related offences recorded in Laois and Offaly, up from 736 similar recorded crimes in 2010. Nationally the rate of increase in the same category of crime is estimated at eight percent in the past year. Speaking this week Deputy Cowen said local figures are the result of criminals targeting border counties and the commuter belt. "This is extremely disturbing given that the Minister for Justice has embarked on a plan of cutting local garda resources," he said. "He has already shut down nearly 40 garda stations around the country as well as down-grading dozens more, and he has now indicated that he is targeting more garda stations for closure and cuts this year." Deputy Cowen said it's a sad reality that in difficult economic times the rate of burglaries and petty crime goes up. "Now moer than ever, we need a visible garda presence on our streets to deter criminals," he said. "This is not the time for closing garda stations and reducing the opening hours of others," he added. "It is the time to protect our communities by having a strong and visible garda presence. We must protect resources for community policing, instead of making further cuts that will essentially invite criminals to target certain vulnerable areas." Deputy Cowen appealed to Minister Shatter to look closely at the figures just released, particularly for Laois and Offaly. "Minister Shatter must look at the unacceptable increase in crime in Laois-Offaly and ensure that the local gardaí have the support they need to protect homeowners in this region," he concluded.