Organised gang crime sparks wave of fear
The survey of 710 households indicates that a large majority of people in Waterford City consider their environment unsafe. They believe the policing of the city must be dramatically improved and the criminal justice system has largely failed them.
The survey was carried out by Fine Gael, and its coordinator, Deputy John Deasy, insisted the purpose of the survey “was not to bash the gardaí”.
“It should be pointed out that 84% of the respondents believe the gardaí do not have adequate resources to do their job and my intention is to use the findings to help the police force bring about a radical change in policing policy.
“But when 62% of the city’s citizens say they have no confidence in the Garda Siochána’s ability to combat crime, it’s clear a major problem exists,” Mr Deasy said.
“More than 50% of respondents described the garda presence in their area as non-existent: that’s an unacceptably high number.”
He has already met with several senior members of An Garda Siochána, including the new chief superintendent for the Waterford/Kilkenny division.
“I have discussed the survey’s findings with them and I’ve made it clear that in many cases the results are unacceptable and demand immediate action.”
He said he was particularly amazed that 49% of respondents said they or a member of their family had been a victim of crime in the last five years. Of those victims, only 4% believed anyone had been convicted of the crime.
The levels of fear in Waterford city are also strongly expressed in the comments people wrote on the survey sheet.
“Of these, 58% of city inhabitants are afraid to walk in their own neighbourhood and 95% are afraid for their children’s safety at night.
“One can only make the assessment that law and order levels have slipped and that overall police presence must be immediately improved throughout the city,” Mr Deasy said.
Garda Supt Dave Sheahan said gardaí value the report as it shows the force the level of garda presence that people are looking for.
“This report will help to further focus our minds. We are currently focusing on trying to deal with criminal groups (from outside the city). We have put a lot of resources into it. But that takes away from our actual presence on the ground,” he added.
“Anti-social behaviour and serious crime are highlighted in this report. It is helpful to have the views of the public and where their views are concentrated.
“It would be fool-hardy of us to suggest that we don’t need extra resources. We are continuously making the case for them.
“The resources we have are acceptable to a point but if extra demands are to be placed on us, we need to educate the public on their expectations of us and what we can deliver,” Supt Sheahan said.
He pointed out that the gardaí’s own figures show a 57% crime detection rate in the region.
“Fifteen-year-old daughter followed and robbed at knife-point.”
“Wife’s handbag stolen - mugged in cathedral.”
“My mother, aged 82 years, had her house broken into while she was in it.”
“My mother’s house was broken into and robbed four times with three attempted break-ins - a gang of youths.”
“Household robbery, there have been 15 houses robbed in my area in the last few months.”
“House burglary - four weeks ago - perpetrators known to myself and gardaí - not charged - no evidence cited.”
