Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has said that a new law, which will clampdown on repeat burglars, will make a significant difference in tackling crime in the North County. Deputy Farrell was speaking following the publication of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015 by the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald.
“Garda Síochána data shows that 75% of burglaries are committed by the same 25% of burglars. It is clear that it is the same few who are causing trauma for many, and that the deterrents in place up until now were hugely insufficient. This new Bill is targeted at those repeat burglars who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences.
“The new Bill will mean that where a burglar is being sentenced for multiple offences, the District Court will impose consecutive jail sentences. This new law will also allow the courts to refuse bail for offenders who have a previous conviction for domestic burglary, coupled with two or more pending charges.
“This Bill aims to keep repeat burglars off the streets and improve the safety of our local communities. I am confident that targeting repeat offenders has the potential to significantly reduce the number of burglaries being committed both in Dublin Fingal and across the country.
“In addition to the new legislation €700,000 has also been allocated to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of specialist vehicles to support the Gardaí in tacking highly-mobile criminal gangs, including those involved in burglaries.
“I look forward to contributing to the debate on this Bill in Dáil Éireann, and I hope that, once this Bill is passed, people will feel safer in their own homes.