‘Even harder times ahead’ says local Chief Superintendent

The local Chief Superintendent has said we’re in “hard times” and there are “even harder times ahead” in terms of cost of living pressures.

Speaking at the latest Cavan Joint Policing Committee meeting, Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern was responding to a question on thefts.

Asked if the ongoing cost of living crisis had a part to play in a doubling in the number of thefts from shops over the last year, he said there are different reasons behind each incident.

Cavan has recorded 234 incidents of thefts from shops so far this year, compared to 113 over the same period last year. This year’s figure is also 35% higher than that recorded in 2019, the last full year pre-covid.

“We’re in hard times and facing even harder times. There are different reasons behind each case,” he said.

He said the local Crime Prevention Officer was engaging with local businesses to encourage them to put mechanisms in place to discourage thefts.

Separately, thefts from vehicles dropped by half to 21 this year, while other theft offences also fell, from 157 to 125.