Govt allots another €5m for anti-crime and burglary operation
An extra €5m in funding has been announced to tackle crime, in particular burglaries.
The Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald are today launching Operation Thor - a national anti-crime strategy.
It is estimated that the funding will allow an extra 100,000 patrol hours by Gardaí in local communities.
High-powered vehicles are being made available to the armed Regional Response Unit for the first time.
Commissioner O’Sullivan said the operation would go a long way in helping frightened communities.
Minister Fitzgerald said: "Operation Thor delivers on increased investment in policing by this Government to tackle burglaries and related crime."
Operation Thor will attempt to tackle burglars, organised crime gangs and prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime. The measures include:
Extra high-visibility patrols in identified burglary hot-spots;
Increased used of checkpoints to tackle the criminal gangs using the national road network;
The use of new high powered vehicles by the armed Regional Response Units;
Efforts to disrupt the stolen goods market;
Programmes to help reduce re-offending by prolific offenders;
A high-profile national crime prevention awareness campaign to be launched later this month;
Targeted crime prevention advice for local communities;
Enhanced supports for victims.
Minister Fitzgerald said: "We are all acutely aware of the terrible impact that burglaries have on families and communities nationwide, both urban and rural.
"This Government’s response to crime is focussed on two key objectives: investing in more Gardaí and vehicles; and strengthening the law to get tougher on serious and repeat offenders."
