BY INTERNATIONAL standards Ireland has a relatively low crime rate. Last year saw far fewer homicides and the number of murders decreased by more than one-third. But despite declines in the most serious crimes – involving violent death – other forms of major criminal activity have increased. Robbery, extortion, hijacking, and attempted murder offences all rose last year, according to national crime statistics compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). In his response to the figures, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern accepted that as the nature of criminal activity changes, gardaí must adapt to meet the challenge. In that regard, his announcement of a White Paper to develop a long-term strategy to fight crime is welcome.

The Irish Times

Monday, 9 February, 2009