DONEGAL TD DEMANDS INQUIRY INTO CLAIMS CRIME STATISTICS ‘MASSAGED’

April 30, 2013

Padraig MacLochlainnSinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Padraig Mac Lochlainn has called on Minister Alan Shatter to meet with the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Representatives Association to establish the veracity of the claim that crime stats are being massaged.

Speaking today Deputy Mac Lochlainn said it is important the crime statistics are accurate as they directly impact on the deployment of resources.

He said: “Minister Shatter needs to urgently call a meeting with the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Representatives Association to establish the veracity of this claim.

“It is hugely important that the crime statistics are accurate as decisions on the deployment of Gardaí and the closure of Garda stations are significantly influenced by these statistics.

“Donegal Sinn Féin recently conducted a survey of 500 homes and it found that 31% of respondents had been victims of crime or anti-social behaviour.

“A similar survey conducted by the IFA in rural Ireland resulted in the exact same figure.

“These surveys both show that crime is being under reported.

“According to the GRA in many cases anti-social behaviour is being reported but no statements are being taken and attempted burglaries are being reported as criminal damage.

“The Minister needs to ensure that crime statistics are both accurate and reliable.”

 


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