George Lawlor warns crime is rising amid Garda resource shortfall
George Lawlor spoke about rising crime figures and called for more Garda resources, citing sharp increases in burglaries, thefts, assaults, drug imports, weapons offences and shootings. He argued the lack of visible Garda presence is enabling criminality and urged the minister to provide the necessary resources.
Lawlor highlighted Central Statistics Office figures showing burglaries up 10% year-on-year, thefts and assaults at five-year highs, illegal drug importation up 83%, weapons and explosive offences up 11% and shootings up 40%.
He recounted a Limerick supermarket case where a persistent thief returned to steal days after receiving a six-week sentence, and described recurring anti-social behaviour reported by retailers in his home town of Wexford.
Lawlor pointed to a large Wexford Town event attended by some 650,000 people where few serious incidents occurred, attributing the success to sufficient Garda resources and a visible policing presence.
The speech praised community policing by specific officers, naming Superintendent Charlotte Duffy and local Gardaí including Kevin Burke, Anne Cork and Sergeant David Ferritter for positive community interaction and trust-building.
Lawlor urged the minister to allocate resources to restore visible Garda patrols in towns and villages, saying increased resourcing improves public safety, deters crime and boosts Garda morale. He concluded by repeating his demand that the Garda be given the necessary resources to make communities safe again.
Key statistics
Lawlor highlighted Central Statistics Office figures showing burglaries up 10% year-on-year, thefts and assaults at five-year highs, illegal drug importation up 83%, weapons and explosive offences up 11% and shootings up 40%.
Local impacts and examples
He recounted a Limerick supermarket case where a persistent thief returned to steal days after receiving a six-week sentence, and described recurring anti-social behaviour reported by retailers in his home town of Wexford.
Event policing success
Lawlor pointed to a large Wexford Town event attended by some 650,000 people where few serious incidents occurred, attributing the success to sufficient Garda resources and a visible policing presence.
Named local Garda contributions
The speech praised community policing by specific officers, naming Superintendent Charlotte Duffy and local Gardaí including Kevin Burke, Anne Cork and Sergeant David Ferritter for positive community interaction and trust-building.
Call to the minister
Lawlor urged the minister to allocate resources to restore visible Garda patrols in towns and villages, saying increased resourcing improves public safety, deters crime and boosts Garda morale. He concluded by repeating his demand that the Garda be given the necessary resources to make communities safe again.
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Transcript
Minister, the latest CSO figures on crime make for sombre reading. Burglaries across the country increased by 10% last year while thefts and assaults were at their highest levels for five years. The illegal importation of drugs destined to cripple communities and individuals across this country increased by a remarkable 83% in the last 12 months, just short of double the previous year. And in 2024 we saw 27 burglaries every single day a 10% increase in 2023, weapons and explosive offences up by 11% and shootings increased by 40%. Minister, we are beginning to see a downturn in a lot of things in this country, but one thing that is thriving is crime and criminality. And why? Quite simply because of a lack of Garda in our towns, villages and communities across the country. Criminals are swanning around, safe in the knowledge that they are unlikely to be stopped or apprehended and when they are, or if they are, the punishments for their crimes make their efforts worthwhile. I listened incredulously yesterday to a Limerick supermarket owner recount how, on a Friday, a persistent and consistent thief in his shop was given a six-week sentence for assaulting a member of his staff, but was back stealing in the same shop some three days later on the Monday. Stories like this can be replicated in every town and village in the country. In my own home town of Wexford, local retailers consistently contact me with stories of anti-social behaviour and theft or attempted theft from the shops. The anti-social behaviour seems to be a badge of honour amongst some who, despite a myriad of CCTV cameras around the town linked directly to the Garda station, carry on their insidious behaviour in broad daylight, safe in the knowledge that the lack of a Garda presence will see their carry-on go largely unchecked. And yet, last August, Wexford Town played host to one of the most successful and well-attended events ever. Some 650,000 people descended on Wexford Town for a wonderful carnival atmosphere, with hardly a single serious incident. And why? Resources. That's the long and the short of it. The local superintendent, Charlotte Duffy, was given the required resources to ensure that he and his members could keep people safe and clear in the knowledge that they were safe because of a visible Garda presence. Resources are the key. What was also clearly apparent was the morale of the Garda at this event. They knew that people had their back and their support. Community policing also plays a major role in combating crime, with youngsters in particular at a stage where they can be steered away from criminality. And I've seen first-hand the positive impact community Garda can make by interacting with communities and gaining trust. Garda Kevin Burke in New Ross, Garda Anne Cork and Sergeant David Ferritter in Wexford are just some of the guards who are making a real difference to their communities through their positive interaction and getting stuck into the issues. Minister, give the Garda the necessary resources to make our towns and villages safe again. Bhoel Mahaigwet.