Shocking 42% rise in burglary figures for south Meath

A phenomenal 42 per cent surge in burglaries across the Ashbourne region is causing serious concern across a vast swathe of south Meath.
At a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee on Monday night, data released by senior Gardai revealed that there has been an increase of 42 per cent in burglaries across the region.
Deputy Thomas Byrne has said he is appalled by the increase across the Ashbourne District which stretches from the bridge in Kilcock on the Meath - Kildare border,
up to the edge of Drogheda in County Louth and
includes all the South Meath towns.
“These figures were revealed by a senior Garda in County Meath at the Joint Policing Committee. While I am shocked at this huge surge in the number of burglaries across the district, it should come as no surprise,” he said.
“I have been campaigning for the last number of years to have the Garda boundaries and districts reviewed. These latest figures reminds us that an emphasis must be placed on protecting and increasing community garda resources. It is practically impossible for Gardai stationed in
Ashbourne to police the vast rural areas and large towns that are contained within the district. I fully support the Gardai, but Government policy has resulted in Gardai not being able to carry out their duties and responsibilities properly.”
At one time, Laytown and its hinterland was a district in itself, but in recent years it has been amalgamated into the Ashbourne district.
Deputy Byrne said the figures prove that Gardai need more support and more resources to tackle crime in our communities.
“Sustained cuts to the Garda force and the resources available to them has severely impacted on the ability of the force to effectively carry out their duties.
“An integral part of the Confidence and Supply agreement is to increase Garda numbers to 15,000 nationally, to invest in in a CCTV system across the motorway network, as well as to mandate the Policing Authority to oversee a review of the boundaries of Garda districts and Garda stations,” concluded Deputy Byrne.