Dedication and proactive policing results in 13,000 knife seizures by the Gardaí in last seven years – Farrell

Dedication and proactive policing by the Gardaí resulted in over 13,000 knife seizures throughout the country over the last seven years, according to Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell.

New figures provided to Deputy Farrell show a concerning level of knife crime seizures in every county , adding that the Gardaí must be commended for their ongoing effort in detecting and preventing violent activity in our communities.

Deputy Farrell, a  member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee,  said: “13,138 knives have been seized by Gardai in the years between 2016 – 2022. This is a staggering number and we must continue to support Gardaí in their efforts to tackle these offences.

“Anti-social behaviour, in all its forms is intolerable, however if an individual is carrying a weapon, it dramatically increases the danger to the general public. We cannot allow thugs to think they can roam our streets armed with a knife or any other weapon.

“2,146 knives were seized in 2022 alone, this equates to nearly 6 knives seized every day. In 2022, 905 knives were seized in the Dublin Region, up from 812 in 2021. 128 knives were seized in Cork City; 164 seizures in Louth; while Galway saw 105 knives seized, in 2022.

“There has been a steady increase in the amount of knives being seized annually by the Gardai, in 2016, 1,203 knives were seized, and this number rose to 2,146 last year, a staggering 78% increase over the seven year period.

“Clearly any stabbing has the potential to cause irreparable harm and has had tragic consequences for families and individuals up and down the country.

“According to the information obtained, the 2016 – 2018 increase in garda seizures is due to the introduction of a new system which improved the level of recording of all objects seized, including knives.

“More recent increases in seizures are also due to proactive policing operations, particularly during 2020 with the increased Garda presence due to COVID-19.

“It is clear that high visibility policing works and is a key tool in building stronger, safer communities. There are currently 14,100 members of the force, an increase of 10% since 2015. Budget 2023 also provides for 1,000 new Gardaí and over 400 new Garda staff in 2023.

“I appreciate that the Minister for Justice chairs the Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour, which includes knife crime and that a consultation on community and legislative responses in currently underway.

“I also want to acknowledge the increasingly proactive operations being undertaken by the Gardaí to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour, including knife crime.

“We must send a message to anyone considering leaving there home with a knife, you will face serious consequences. We must ensure that Gardaí have all necessary resources to tackle all forms of Anti-Social Behaviour, this must involve allowing Gardaí to get onto our streets and provide for visible presence.

“Lethal weapons have no place in our public spaces, those who seek to break these laws must face the rigour of the law, this behaviour is not acceptable in our country,” Deputy Farrell concluded.