Row over Mayo burglary detection rates

A WAR of words has blown up over claims of low burglary detection rates in Mayo.

Castlebar-based Fianna Fáil Deputy Lisa Chambers challenged Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald on the statistics showing a 22 per cent reduction in break-ins in the county.

She said the figures did not tally with what's happening on the ground. Neither did they reassure people living alone in rural communities.

“It's a known fact there has neven been as many bunglaries at private dwellings across the region. Yet we are told the detection rates are down.

“These statistics are not helping Mayo's cause in attracting increased numbers of garda staff at a number when the number of security alarms being installed in homes is rising by the week.

“I am not happy with the level of clarity in this very serious matter and I know the public is not impressed either.”

Minister Fitzgerald said these offences are inherently more difficult to investigate than others such as possession of drugs, where the offender is observed while committing the offence.

“While our statistical system is not directly comparable with that of other countrie similar difficulties exist in detecting burglaries.

“I share Deputy Chambers' concern that we do everything we can to protect communities from burglary and other crimes against householders,” she added.