Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady is raising awareness at the alarming increase in burglaries in the Baltinglass District.
Speaking this afternoon, Teachta Brady said:
“So far this year there have been 114 burglaries in West Wicklow, up dramatically from a total of 76 burglaries in 2016. This signals an alarming increase in this crime in the area.
“I have raised concerns at these figures with the Chief Superintendent and I have been informed that two new Detective Sergeants have been deployed to West Wicklow in order to deal with this dramatic increase in crime, one in Baltinglass and one to Blessington.
“This intervention to try and deal with this increase is welcome and I hope that this will have a positive effect of reducing crime in West Wicklow. It has been suggested that a large number of these burglaries are being carried out by gangs from outside the County who are using the N81. The Gardai need to target these gangs and ensure all resources are available to apprehend them.
“These alarming figures are more evidence for the reopening of Donard Garda Station, this needs to be done as a priority. I am urging the people of West Wicklow to be vigilant in their communities and to report any burglaries to their local Garda station. It is important that all burglaries are reported to the Gardaí.”
