The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Michael McDowell, T.D., today published the provisional headline crime statistics furnished by the Garda Commissioner for the second quarter of 2006.
The statistics show a decrease of 1% for the quarter compared with the same quarter in 2005.
The Minister also noted that the quarterly number of crimes recorded for the second quarter ending on 30th June 2006 represents a reduction of 8% on the first quarter of 2006, compared to no percentage change between the same two quarters in 2005.
As he has consistently done, the Minister once again emphasised that care must be taken in interpreting the statistics, especially when considering short term fluctuations and extrapolating trends over short periods.
He said: "Since I initiated the publication of crime statistics on a quarterly basis at the beginning of 2003, 11 of the 14 quarters have shown a reduction."
"There is, however, no room at all for complacency. Q4 in 2005 and Q1 in 2006 were bad quarters which stood out against the general downward trend since 2003", he said. "The public expects that the crime rate will be tackled consistently and effectively and in a manner that maximises the return on the greatly increased strength and resources which the taxpayer has provided."
"In the context of rapidly increasing manpower, greatly increased budgetary support, and unprecedented financial provision for overtime and special operations, it is now essential that the force responds immediately and effectively to emerging trends and patterns at local district, divisional and regional levels."
"The Commissioner has emphasised the need for personal accountability at every level of management if the new resources are to bear fruit. I fully support him in that."
The Minister said: "I give credit to the Gardaí on the resumption in the downward trend in headline crime which these figures for the second quarter indicate. This may reflect the success of targeted special operations nationwide by the Garda Síochána, and that should be acknowledged. I also acknowledge the welcome by the decrease of 11% in murders and manslaughters in the quarter, which shows a reversal of recent trends. But no level of homicide is acceptable."
The Minister noted that, of the 25 headline offences categories for the quarter, 12 record decreases and 8 record increases, while three show no change and two (manslaughter and aggravated sexual assault) show no offences committed.
The Minister also welcomed the continuing overall reduction in the five categories of sexual crime, of 28% for the quarter and 10% for the twelve months. In addition, there have been reductions in the number of robberies of cash and goods in transit and firearms offences.
The Minister said: "Top Garda management are closely monitoring trends and working pro-actively with the regional Assistant Commissioners and the National Units to put in place appropriate intelligence-led initiatives in response to developing crime trends.
The resources I made available for Operation Anvil throughout the country are being used for this purpose.
The Commissioner informs me that current indications are that these initiatives are proving effective in reversing the temporary upward trend and he has again assured me that he has sufficient resources to ensure that the increases experienced over the previous two quarters can be reversed over the coming months."
He added: "I hope in the coming days to commence many of the provisions of the recently passed Criminal Justice law which should further assist the Gardaí in their battle against crime."
Crime Statistics 2nd Quarter 2006 (Microsoft Excel – 23KB)
Crime Statistics 1st Quarter on 2nd Quarter 2006 comparison (Microsoft Excel – 22KB)
13 July, 2006.