Commissioner Welcomes Fall In Murders

Murders and manslaughters are down 38% from last year, according to statistics released today.

The latest crime statistics from the CSO showing a significant dip in some of the most serious crimes have been welcomed by the Garda Commissioner, who says their focus on drugs and gangs has helped tackle a wide range of offences.

Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said: "The decrease in deaths by violence in this country over the course of 2008 is welcome. Nonetheless, as an organisation, we are maintaining our focus on areas such as gangland crime, particularly in light of a number of serious incidents at the start of this year to ensure that this downward trend continues.

"By targeting drug crime, we can have an impact across all crime categories from serious violent crime through to thefts, robberies and public order."

However, not all statistics were as uplifting. Forty-nine people were murdered in 2008, while three manslaughters were also recorded. Elsewhere, the figures show a slight fall in rapes, but a rise in sexual assaults.

Murder attempts, murder threats and assaults were all up during the year, while instances of robbery, extortion and hijacking increased by more than 6%.

Weapons and explosives offences were also up 11%, drugs offences increased by a massive 25%, burglary and related offences were up 4.5%, while theft and related offences were up 2.1%.

The commissioner added: "We are using our analysis service and other resources to inform and design operations to address the problem of burglary and other volume crime."

(DW/JM)