Burglaries and shoplifting reach ‘epidemic’ levels

Robberies, burglaries, and thefts from shops are the biggest policing problem faced by gardaí in Kerry — and shoplifting and burglary have reached “epidemic level” in some areas , the inaugural meeting of the county’s joint policing committee has been told.

Statistics for the past eight months showed that incidents of taking of property averaged five per day, with gangs of professionals from outside the Kerry division targeting the county, the meeting in Tralee was told.

Chief Superintendent Pat Sullivan said burglary and theft are the single biggest problem faced by officers in the division.