Sharp drop in Kilkenny crime for past three months as criminals stay home
There has been a significant drop in crime trends during the Covid-19 pandemic from March to May compared to the same period last year, new figures released by An Garda Siochana reveal.
Attempted murders are down 24%, burglaries 44% while robberies dropped by 30%, with thefts from shops (39%) and from persons (62) also seeing dramatic decreases, although domestic abuse incidents were up 25%.
However, An Garda Síochána added that while has reduced in general it has not stopped and criminals continue to look for opportunities to exploit showing.
This included the following statitstics:
• Burglaries; although a reported reduction of – 44% in excess of 2,000 burglaries were reported in this three-month period
• Theft from shop (shoplifting) down -39% was reported in excess of 3,800 occasions
• Theft of cars -43% and pedal cycles -9% have reduced, in excess of 540 vehicles and 1100 pedal cycles were stolen during this period
“During the COVID-19 crisis, Gardaí have shown their determination to continue to prevent and detect crime with significant seizures and arrests for drugs, organised crime, burglaries, and drug and drink driving,” Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said.
“We have maintained our focus on protecting the vulnerable in the current situation. For example, early on we put in place a specific operation to help victims of domestic abuse, as well as encouraging all victims of this crime to report any concerns they have to us.
“An Garda Síochána’s mission is to keep people safe. Every day, members of An Garda Síochána show their dedication and professional in challenging circumstances to deliver on that mission by protecting and supporting communities.”
Other figures released included:
Crimes Against the Person
• Sexual Offences – 38%
• Attempts/ Threats to Murder, Assaults and Harassments – 24%
• Minor Assault – 30%
• Assault of Obstruction of a Garda/ Official, resisting Arrest + 25%
• Domestic Abuse Related Calls + 25%
• Breaches of Domestic Violence Order Incidents + 10%
• Formal Notifications to TUSLA +18%
• Burglaries – 44%
• Theft from Shop – 39%
• Theft from Person -62%
• Robberies -30%
• Trespassing + 12%
• Possession of an Article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand) +10%
• Fraud, Deception and Related Offences – 21%
o Account Take Over Frauds +56%
o Phishing/Vishing/Smishing Frauds +45%
o Shopping/Online Auction Fraud +55%
Crimes Against Society
• Controlled Drugs Offences + 10%
• Possession for Sale or Supply + 18%
• Simple Possession (personal use) + 7%
• Weapons and Explosives Offences + 8%.
• Possession of Offensive Weapons (not firearms) + 16%
• Damage to Property crimes – 19%
• Arson (Criminal Damage by Fire) + 9%
• Public Order Offences – 13%
• Drunkenness Offences – 28%
• Public Order Offences (threatening/abusive behaviour etc.) – 6%
