Waterford is well ahead of the rest of the country in fighting crime

Waterford is a safe and welcoming city. It has the lowest rate of recorded crime of any comparably-sized urban centre in the country and does not have a particularly widespread problem of street crime and anti-social behaviour as some commentary around the recent night-time assemblies has suggested.

Over the last two years reported crimes against the person and public disorder in Waterford city centre continued to decline with all reported crimes against the person decreasing by 18% to 293 so far in 2014 compared with the same period last year and a detection rate of 59%. All reported crimes are fully investigated, with a detection rate in Waterford of 75% for violent crime - well ahead of the national average.

An Garda Síochána work with communities to protect the quality of life in Waterford with the prevention and detection of crime and anti-social behaviour among their core functions. They continually prosecute offenders in court where convictions may result in custodial sentences.