Burglaries back to pre-pandemic levels

Gardaí have warned that the numbers of burglaries reported in Tipperary have returned to the level seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Presenting figures at last week’s meeting of Tipperary Joint Policing Committee – the last ever meeting of the JPC – Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner said burglary incidents “plummeted” when the pandemic arrived. But the numbers now seen in Tipperary – which has the highest detection rate in the region – have returned to those of 2019.

The Nenagh district has been hit with the biggest increase in burglaries in Tipperary this year with 25 reported, a 127% increase on the same period last year. The number of residential burglaries increased countywide by 83%.

Detective Superintendent James Tierney reported 125 burglaries across Tipperary so far this year compared with 139 by the same stage in 2019. Many of this year’s incidents were connected with criminal gangs based outside the county and using the M7 and M8 motorways. Det Supt Tierney said gardaí had identified eight vehicles involved in a series of incidents in north Tipperary, all of which were connected to one particular gang that was also involved in burglaries in Offaly, Clare and Cork. An organised crime group based outside the jurisdiction was involved in another series of incidents in which alcohol was stolen from local shops. Det Supt Tierney said gardaí had worked closely with their colleagues in the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this matter and a number of suspects have been arrested and charged.

He also mentioned an increasing prevalence of thefts of cars in recent months. Japanese import vehicles have been specifically targeted due to their security features.

TASK FORCE

In response to the rise in burglaries, a divisional crime task force has been established in the amalgamated Tipperary and Clare Garda Division. It consists of three sergeants and 12 gardaí; one sergeant and four gardaí have specific remit for north Tipperary. Det Supt Tierney said the task force has been very proactive, making 10 arrests on Thursday of last week alone.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Noel Coonan believed the burglary figures could be a lot higher if they were all reported. He said many people do not report crime because there is an attitude that nothing can be done about it. “What’s the point?” they ask.

Det Supt Tierney encouraged people to report crime. He also encouraged owners of valuable property such as quad bikes, boat engines and lawnmowers to note the serial number and as many other details as they can about such items. Gardaí have had considerable success working with their colleagues in Europe in circumstances where suspected stolen property is seized abroad, he said.