‘3-headed monster’ spawning crime surge

A “THREE-headed monster” featuring the drugs trade, new connections between former paramilitaries and criminal gangs and recessionary times has spawned a surge in crimes such as robbery, extortion and prostitution.

Figures revealed by the Central Statistics Office show that despite the financial focus on banks and big business, the real impact of the economic downturn is being seen on streets and in homes across the country.

Between April to June 2009 and April to June 2010, there was a 33.9% rise in robbery, extortion and hijacking cases dealt with by Gardaí, the CSO stated.