Agenda item

Superintendent Chris Grogan gave a presentation on the crime statistics for County Leitrim.

Notable points from the presentation included the following:

• 209 drug searches have been completed year to date
• A recent drugs search resulted in drugs with an estimated street value of €95,000 being seized.
• A male has been apprehended, charged and brought to court in relation to a number of recent thefts in Carrick-on-Shannon.   Chief Superintendent Glacken paid tribute to the CCTV and business watch which had assisted the Garda in this regard.
• 161 fines have been issued from 1^st Jan to 24^th November 2021 in respect of breaches of COVID guidelines
• 278 Welfare checks have been carried out to date with older or vulnerable persons.

Councillor Enda Stenson referred to a disturbance that took place in Bridge Street in Carrick-on-Shannon recently and called for more experienced Garda personnel to be more visible on the ground in the future.

Inspector Curry confirmed there is an active investigation currently taking place on this incident.

Councillor Justin Warnock welcomed the fact that burglaries are decreasing and acknowledged that every community is experiencing a problem with drugs.

Inspector Curry said the Community Engagement Unit of An Garda Siochána is facilitating welfare visits to older residents in the community. If anyone knows vulnerable people in their locality who need assistance, or who could benefit from the welfare checks, they should pass the details to Sergeant Orla McGrath.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said he was aware of some older residents in his area that are not happy to accept a welfare visit, and he asked if this is a common issue.

Inspector Curry said she has received no report to this extent from Sergeant McGrath but acknowledged that some older residents may not want to avail of this service. Where a person does not want to avail of welfare visits from An Garda Siochána they are provided with an information pack and are welcome to speak with the Gardai at any time in the future.

Councillor Padraig Fallon noted the increase in drug searches and detection of drug driving.  Councillor Fallon sought clarification on the figure of 209 drug searches and queried what percentage of this relates to the night-time economy as opposed to house searches.

Inspector Currey confirmed this figure relates to stop and search incidents. Houses that have been searched on foot of a warrant have not been included in the figure.

Deputy Martin Kenny welcomed the increase in drug searches and asked if additional Garda resources are needed in Leitrim.  Deputy Kenny also referred to the fear among young people, and young girls especially, in regard to spiking of drinks.  Deputy Kenny said they need to be assured that they are safe and for the staff of night clubs to inform An Garda Siochana of such incidents.  Deputy Kenny said he considered this issue has been exaggerated and magnified by the media.

Superintendent Grogan said approval has been granted for a Garda drugs unit with officers based in the Leitrim District.  Superintendent Grogan said his officers have a good rapport with the staff of night clubs and he assured the members that such activity won’t be tolerated in night clubs in Leitrim. Superintendent Grogan said there was a certain element of scare mongering taking place and it is not a concern in Leitrim at the moment

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said it is important to report burglaries, spiking, or other crimes to the Gardai, so that they give a true reflection of Gardai crime statistics.  Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said it is great to hear that the CCTV in Carrick-on-Shannon is doing the job it is intended for.

Superintendent Grogan outlined that it is important that An Garda Siochana are informed of incidents that occur.  Referring to the Community Engagement Unit, Superintendent Grogan, said the unit works on person-to-person interactions and he is satisfied with the way the unit is carrying out its duties.