Drop in crime rates in Dublin demonstrates high visibility policing is working– Richmond

A widespread drop in criminal activity following the introduction of Operation Citizen in Dublin has been welcomed by Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond.

Deputy Richmond, who represents Dublin Rathdown, has said the drop in crime rates shows that high visibility policing works, and has called for a continuation and expansion of Operation Citizen.

Deputy Richmond said: “Following repeated calls for an increase in high visibility, on the beat policing by Fine Gael TDs including myself; ‘Operation Citizen’ commenced in Dublin city centre on the 22^nd October 2021.

“This operation places a particular focus on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high-volume crimes, and involves increased visible policing, particularly at key locations. In addition to Garda resources from the Dublin Metropolitan Region North Central and South Central divisions, Operation Citizen is supported by resources from the wider Dublin Region, Garda Roads Policing Units, the Garda National Public Order Unit and Garda Operational Support Units (Mounted Unit and Dog Unit).

“Operation Citizen has seen in excess of 100 Gardaí patrolling Dublin city centre each weekend evening. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 4pm, up to 30 additional Gardaí are deployed specifically on foot patrols in the city centre, resourced from outside the two core city centre divisions. Every Friday and Saturday evening, a Garda National Public Order Unit of 25 personnel (on mobile patrols) patrol the city centre. In excess of 500 additional hours policing are provided each week.

“Statistics provided to me by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, have shown since the commencement of Operation Citizen that the vast majority of criminal activities are down across Dublin compared to the same year to date period in 2020, despite far greater public restrictions in place in 2020 and the current far higher public usage of public spaces.

“Public order offences in Dublin are down 11% compared to the previous year, and on average thefts from persons are down a massive 48%, thefts from cars are down 25% and minor assaults are down by just under 10%.

“During the first full week of Operation Citizen (25 October – 31 October 2021), including Bank Holiday Monday (25 October) and Halloween (31 October), An Garda Síochána advised the Minister that there were in excess of 50 arrests and 65 charges preferred before the courts.

“Our Gardaí must be commended for such an effective roll out of Operation Citizen so far and I am grateful to both Ministers McEntee and previously Humphreys who have responded so positively to calls for high visibility policing.

“High visibility policing is working in Dublin, I am therefore calling for a continuation and expansion of Operation Citizen.”

Provisional crime statistics from 22^nd – 31^st October 2021 compared to the same time in 2020.

Note: All crime statistics are operational, provisional and subject to change.