Spike in crime linked to heroin use
That’s according to the most senior garda in the city, who acknowledged he is concerned at a recent rise in such crimes.
Chief Supt Mick Finn told the Cork City joint policing committee that these crimes were up 41% between July and September compared with the corresponding period last year.
When asked about the reason behind the increase by Cllr John Buttimer (FG), he said he had “no doubt” there was a direct link between the increased use of heroin and the rise in such crime. “It’s a reality that those addicted to that type of drug has to get their next fix,” he said.
He later told the Irish Examiner it was rare for addicts to threaten people with syringes or other weapons on the streets.
However, he said they could be intimidating and threatening and this often results in people handing over their valuables.
He said addicts were primarily looking for money, but would also steal items such as smartphones which they could offload in return for cash.
“We need to get the HSE and the drugs taskforce to work with us on this. It’s no good just catching them. We need to get them into a [drugs rehabilitation] programme. It would have to be a multi-agency approach. There is heroin here in Cork and all over the country. If we don’t get them [addicts] in a programme then it’s a downward spiral.”
A special meeting of the policing committee is to be held on Nov 18 to discuss the heroin problem in the city.
It will be attended by a number of multi-agency experts.
Meanwhile, gardaí in north Cork are preparing a file for the DPP following the discovery of a cannabis grow house which also contained ecstasy tablets, prescription drugs, and fireworks.
Gardaí confirmed last night that on foot of an intelligence-led operation, they swooped on a house in Kildinan, between the villages of Rathcormac and Glenville in Co Cork.
The raid took place at around 11pm last Saturday and led to the discovery of approximately €40,000 worth of cannabis plants in various stages of growth.
A man in his late 20s was detained at the scene and taken to Fermoy Garda Station for questioning. He was later released without charge.
And gardaí have said that they discovered €300 worth of illegal fireworks in Cork.
Garda detectives from the Fermoy District Drugs Unit who were involved in that operation, also seized €2,000 worth of fireworks from a house in Kildorrery less than a week ago.
It is believed the fireworks were imported from the North and a man in his 30s is helping gardaí with their enquiries.
