Knife crime almost doubles in seven years
Over 300 knives seized locally in seven years
“Frightening” new figures show that a knife was seized by gardaí at rate of almost one a week last year.
Though the number of seizures across the Cavan-Monaghan division has fallen since the pandemic hit, the figure has begun to creep upwards once again in 2022 to 47.
Gardaí have recovered more than 13,000 knives in the last seven years nationally, with the total number of seizures rising by 78% for the period.
The statistics, provided to Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell on foot of a Parliamentary Question to the Dáil, reveal that for the same seven year period 302 knives were taken off local streets.
The highest number of knife seizures in Cavan-Monaghan for the seven year period was in 2020 when gardaí confiscated 63, in part down to the increased Garda presence due to COVID-19.
In neighbouring Garda divisions, Sligo/Leitrim saw knife crime fall from 2021 to 2022 by close to a third, from 28 seizures to 19.
In Meath, knife seizures rose from 40 to 49, having fallen from a height of 67 in 2020.
The government has appointed an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) to examine a broad range of issues and address the factors giving rise to problems including knife crime in communities.
A knife crime sub-group of the ASB Forum has meanwhile examined existing data, possible community responses, and the legislative position. Further stakeholder engagement is taking place.
Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fail Senator Robbie Gallagher commended “proactive policing” by the Gardaí in tackling the knife crime issue.
Senator described the level of seizures as “frightening”, and went on to state “if an individual is carrying a weapon, it increases the danger to the general public.”
Senator Gallagher outlined: “In 2016, 1,203 knives were seized, and this number rose to 2,146 last year, a staggering 78% increase over the seven year period. Knives have the potential to cause irreparable harm and can lead to tragic consequences for families and individuals.”
Resources
The former garda turned politician says high visibility policing “works” and is a “key tool” in building stronger, safer communities.
“We must ensure that Gardaí have all necessary resources to tackle all forms of Anti-Social Behaviour, this must involve allowing Gardaí to get onto our streets and provide for visible presence,” he concluded.