Garda boss backs laws to restrict bail for serial burglars

A senior Garda boss has backed laws going through the Oireachtas which aim to restrict bail to serial burglars and impose longer sentences.

It emerged yesterday the legislation, introduced by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, built on concerns expressed by Garda management, particularly in relation to refusing bail to recidivist burglars.

Rough figures produced by Garda crime analysts showed 75% of burglaries were being carried out by 25% of burglars.

Frances Fitzgerald

It also emerged yesterday that at least 75 high-powered Garda vehicles will come on stream by the end of the year to target roaming burglary gangs.

Assistant commissioner Derek Byrne,who deals with serious and organised crime, said gardaí were “very pleased” with the legislation .

The Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015 will allow district court judges to give consecutive sentences where a burglar is sentenced for multiple offences, rather than concurrently.

The bill also empowers the courts to refuse bail if an offender has a previous conviction for a domestic burglary and has two or more pending charges.

“This is all very helpful and obviously we feed in through the minister’s office, through the department of justice,” said Mr Byrne.

“We identify the issues and the difficulties and the minister with her officials have taken on board the concerns expressed by An Garda Síochána and that will manifest itself in forthcoming legislation.”

Mr Byrne said their focus was on repeat offenders.

Mr Byrne runs the National Support Services, which co-ordinates all the various serious and organised crime units and directs Operation Fiacla, the national investigation targeting roaming burglary gangs. He said people in communities had “genuine fears” and said gardaí were “stepping up patrols”.

Speaking at an event with Crimestoppers and Phone-Watch, Mr Byrne said history showed that burglaries increased during the dark, winter months, with the highest risk during the hours of 5pm and 10pm. He urged basic precautions, such as keeping doors and windows locked, and use of lighting and approved alarm systems.

Mr Byrne also revealed that “at least” 75 high-powered vehicles will be available to Garda armed and response units by the end of the year to deal with burglary gangs.

For burglary prevention tips, log onto garda.ie or crimestoppers.ie