Major garda clampdown in Mayo on drug driving

DRUG driving detections in Co. Mayo have risen by 271% compared to this time last year.

Twenty-six motorists have been detected so far this year – that's up 19 from last year.

Drink driving detections have also increased, Superintendent Joe McKenna told a meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee.

The equipment being used by the gardaí can detect illegal drugs such as cannabis and cocaine as well as regular pharmaceutical drugs.

Theft, overall, is down in the division, but retailers are feeling the pinch with theft from shops up 15%.

Cars are easy pickings for thieves too and while incidents involving vehicles is down, there have been 86 thefts from cars.

The Supt. revealed the following crime statistics for the year so far, compared to this time last year:

Serious assaults – 45 (down 6%, or three incidents).

Minor assaults – 176 (down 1%).

Burglaries – 107 (down 31%).

Criminal damage – 211 (down 22%; 60 less incidents).

Murder – 1 (an accused person is before the courts).

Public order offences – 240 (that's up by 23, or 11%).

Robberies – none.

Theft offences – 135 (down 30%; 58 less incidents).

Theft from cars – 86 (down 9%).

Theft from shops – 222 (up 15%, or 29).

Unauthorised taking of vehicles – 14 (down 33%).

Possession of drugs – 69 (down 41%).

Sale/supply of drugs – 19 (down 50%).