Take our survey • Win a prize
Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Rise in number of homicides and sexual offences in 2012

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said the overall drop in crime lat year provides reassurance that “efficiencies” are making a real contribution to public safety.

Click here if you have trouble viewing this image.

FIGURES FROM THE Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shown that there was a fall in most crime groups in 2012 though homicides and sexual offences both rose compared to last year. Overall there was a 5.5 per cent reduction in recorded crime and a reduction in 10 of the 14 crimes for which figures are given.

The CSO figures released today indicate an 18.2 per cent rise in homicide offences and a 2.2 per cent increase in sexual offences with burglaries also up slightly by 0.3 per cent.

Fraud, deception and related offences saw an increase of 3.2 per cent in 2012 compared with the previous year.

There were 60 recorded murder and manslaughter offences in 2012 which is an increase of 15 on the same period in 2011. The decrease in the number of ‘dangerous driving leading to death’ offences from 21 in 2011 to 18 in 2012 may be due to the fact that all road collision investigations for this period have not yet concluded, which will result in some being reclassified as homicide.

Click here if you have trouble viewing this image.

  • Overall, sexual offences rose from 2,014 in 2011 to 2,059 in 2012 with a 6.3 per cent increase in rape.
  • Dangerous or negligent acts offences decreased by almost 10 per cent in 2012 with most recorded offences in this group related to driving or being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit. The number of these crimes fell 8.2 per cent.
  • Kidnapping and related offences, which includes human trafficking, were also down 10 per cent, mainly due to a decrease in false imprisonment offences.
  • Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences fell by 3.9 per cent between 2011 and 2012 wthough robbery of cash or goods in transit increased from 39 to 49.
  • There were 27,774 recorded burglary and related offencesin 2012, representing a slight increase of 799, up 0.3 per cent on 2011.
  • In 2012 there were 16,471 recorded controlled drug offences, a decrease of 6.9 per cent on 2011. The vast majority of these
    recorded offences were for possession of drugs for personal use, with 11,828 in 2012, a decrease of almost 7 per cent on 2011.
  • Possession of a firearm offences fell from 294 in 2011 to 246 in 2012, a decrease of over 16 per cent.

Today Justice Minister Alan Shatter welcomed the news and said the statistics “confirm the overall positive impact the gardaí are having on crime”.

These statistics are a timely reminder of the excellent work being carried out day in day out by members of the Force, of all ranks, under Commissioner Callinan’s leadership. They provide clear reassurance that the various innovations and efficiencies together with essential reforms in policing introduced by the Commissioner and being made by An Garda Síochána are in fact making a real contribution to public safety and the prevention of crime.

Shatter noted “with concern” the increase in the number of homicides in 2012 and condemned those involved in “a series of gangland crime related killings” over the course of the year.

AdVIC, an advocacy group for families of victims of homicide said people “must not forget that in all of these cases a human life has been taken in violence”.

The group called for a mandatory lief sentence with a minimum of 25 years to be retained in cases of first degree murder.

Read: Committee calls on government to reduce prisoner numbers by one-third>
Read: Gardaí feel like ‘sitting ducks’ after decision to withdraw Uzi submachine guns>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
54 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Massey
    Favourite Chris Massey
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:35 PM

    It doesn’t take a genius to work out why, Shatter Shatter Shatter, get him out. What kind of government puts an embargo on vital public services such as Gardai. It’s absolutely ridiculous and these statistics will only increase year by year.

    112
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe OShea
    Favourite Joe OShea
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:45 PM

    Did you miss the part that there was a decrease in 11 of 15 major crime categories, including robbery, theft and drugs crime?

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe OShea
    Favourite Joe OShea
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:47 PM

    *14 major crime categories, not 15.

    14
    See 38 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Doyle
    Favourite Paul Doyle
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:50 PM

    Chris your so predictable !!!
    I can imagine you sitting their waiting to dive in 1st with your populist view so you can maximise your green thumb hall, it’s pathetic,
    Have you nothing original to say but more of your usual “sack the government” rhetoric ???

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bo11ocks_to_this
    Favourite Bo11ocks_to_this
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:50 PM

    There may be a reduction in recorded crime but what if we were to take a poll of perception of crime?

    I’d suspect a good few instances are not recorded.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Massey
    Favourite Chris Massey
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:51 PM

    Sorry Joe all I got was blah blah blah blah blah, same as all your other comments on this site.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe OShea
    Favourite Joe OShea
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:54 PM

    Let me repeat, Chris Massey. There was a decrease in 11 of the 14 major crime categories as shown by the CSO.

    Therefore crime is overall going down in spite of your populist and predictable lowest common denominator tripe.

    Are you going to be whining of the “comments of the week” section as you do every Saturday, that none of your comments were featured? What a pathetic existence you must have.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Massey
    Favourite Chris Massey
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:54 PM

    Paul as far as I’ve seen you are the thumb hungry fisherman on this, I apologise if I got in before you, didn’t mean to piss on your cornflakes.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Massey
    Favourite Chris Massey
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:57 PM

    I’m in the running again this week, I love annoying things like you on this, that really is the highlight of my week :) elves hate trolls surely you knew that!

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Doyle
    Favourite Paul Doyle
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:01 PM

    Let me tell you something at least I bother me ar** reading the story before bailing in with my stock quote at the ready !!!
    Those statistics are mostly heading on a downward spiral, granted there’s room for improvement but hey this is crime we’re talking about so till the end of time there’s always going to be “room for improvement”

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Massey
    Favourite Chris Massey
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:04 PM

    I’ll wait a few minutes when the next story comes up Paul and let you have the attention you crave. I feel for you, chins up buddy ;)

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jim melia
    Favourite jim melia
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:09 PM

    So technically joe, you’re praising the gardai in their exemplary performance at reducing headline crime?

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Massey
    Favourite Chris Massey
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:11 PM

    I feel for that young lad!

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Doyle
    Favourite Paul Doyle
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:14 PM

    An I feel for that poor elf…

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Massey
    Favourite Chris Massey
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:20 PM

    Perhaps it could Andy but it says alot about you the very fact that’s what image you had in your head. Sick comment on your part.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Doyle
    Favourite Paul Doyle
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:21 PM

    1st time 4 everything,
    Have to agree there Chris,
    Nasty comment alright,

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Daly
    Favourite Peter Daly
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:21 PM

    Chris
    What particular story are you commenting on? The one I’m reading suggests that statistically speaking overall Crome rates are down while two areas are marginally up. That suggests the results are excellent.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Massey
    Favourite Chris Massey
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:24 PM

    Sound Paul wouldn’t come out with filth like that.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute I'm just curious
    Favourite I'm just curious
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:50 PM

    Joe did you get these figures from the same site you got Gardai on €56k basic pay?? It’s a big bad world on the internet don’t believe it all!!!

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane King
    Favourite Shane King
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 7:00 PM

    gardai are on 43k or above and have pensions of 600 a week.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Socrates
    Favourite Socrates
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 7:06 PM

    Hmmm trafficing down because less jobs to staff undocumented illegal workers. Less money in economy that gets spent on prostitution?

    Robbery down as post offices tend not to have large volumes of cash on daily basis.

    Road deaths doen because alot of young males no money to spend on cars. Boy racer culture dead now. Also alot left Ireland.

    Extortion down maybe because of infighting in dissident gangs? Which would lead to increade in other areas such as homicides.

    Also less guards means less patrols. How many crimes are detected by guards out and about? Often read about gardai stopping vehicles and finding guns or drugs but less guards that does not happen and as such not records.

    I mean stop me if im wrong there is being great work done but doing less with more does not compute.

    Out of interest could someone enlighten me has any other EU country stopped polics training and cut numbers? Just seems health and state security are two things that should be high priority.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe OShea
    Favourite Joe OShea
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:11 PM

    @Imjustcurious, I got the figures from RTE’s newsfeed. http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0328/378791-crime/

    As regards the garda pay of 56k which includes all allowances, and a tax free lump sum of 80-90K on retirement with half their salary intact – that is all available from the Department of Justice, and from Public Account Committee on Public Sector Pay.

    It’s a tough world out there for the guards – there was a poor Chief spoken of on RTE radio yesterday (on around 100k all in with rent allowance, other allownaces) – poor fella can’t put food on the table.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane King
    Favourite Shane King
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:22 PM

    Joe they hate that the public know there pay now that they can’t keep playing the poor card anymore i think alot of people are shocked over the 600pw pension.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jim melia
    Favourite jim melia
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:24 PM

    Trolls be trollin tonight alright.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe OShea
    Favourite Joe OShea
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:27 PM

    That pension is a fact, Shane. And it’s higher for ranks such as Sergeants or Inspectors, who walked out of meetings yesterday. An equivalent contribution from a private sector employee to get the same pension pot would need a 100% 1.1 million euros contribution. Gardai contribute just 10% even after the imposition of the pension levy.

    http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/garda-pension-worth-11m-26518918.html

    Fact is, it’s a well paid, 100% secure job, yet you have them running to the media saying they can’t afford food. Gardai – always the victims – just like farmers.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jim melia
    Favourite jim melia
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:29 PM

    http://www.gra.cc/payscales.shtml

    Especially for you joe/Shane/reginold/mark/Peter

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Socrates
    Favourite Socrates
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:33 PM

    Thanks jim.

    Wait….. does that mean……. yes….oh nooooo joe you told fibs :( why would you do such a thing joe. Lies made the baby jesus cry.

    Why joe why?

    Pray the rosary 20 times and the lord will forgive you. Go in peace my child

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe OShea
    Favourite Joe OShea
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:38 PM

    Strange how the guards claim the allowances are “part of core pay” if you try to trim them but conveniently leave them out whenever they need to play poor mouth. You can’t have it both ways.

    No point quoting basic Jim, but night duty is left out, as are double payments for Sundays, public holidays etc, generous rent allowance,not to mention numerous allowances which make up about 25% more. And then you have overtime.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane King
    Favourite Shane King
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:40 PM

    there has been a recruitment block since 2008 so there all in five years or more.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jim melia
    Favourite jim melia
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:41 PM

    Only in your head joe but hey, as I said before, keep plugging away fella. Shane king seems to be a fan. Or maybe he’s an alter ego perhaps?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fatness O Chopnessy
    Favourite Fatness O Chopnessy
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:51 PM

    Joe ‘O Shea and Shane King, one and the same! They keep on trollin, they hatin!!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane King
    Favourite Shane King
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:52 PM

    im real lad i dont hide behind fake profiles this is linked into my Facebook account.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fatness O Chopnessy
    Favourite Fatness O Chopnessy
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:54 PM

    I think wang would be a more appropriate first name for you “Shane”!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane King
    Favourite Shane King
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:58 PM

    That was a good one man i left out a little giggle.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason
    Favourite Jason
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 10:17 PM

    It’s their pay not there pay Shane. Your copy and paste icons must be worn out.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason
    Favourite Jason
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 10:20 PM

    It’s actually amusing watching you waste your time joe. You spout the same crap on every thread. It really is beyond a joke. You are constantly being directed to the accurate figures but you keep quoting some abstract reports from Rte.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason
    Favourite Jason
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 10:21 PM

    That should be they’re all in 5 years or more Shane.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane King
    Favourite Shane King
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 10:40 PM

    So you correct my spelling does that mean my facts are ok for you.its piss poor mate to resort to being a grammar Nazi.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason
    Favourite Jason
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 10:42 PM

    No but it puts the rest of the absolute crap you spout in context. Your “facts” are wrong.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane King
    Favourite Shane King
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 10:45 PM

    what’s wrong about it

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karolyn Cassidy
    Favourite Karolyn Cassidy
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 10:48 PM

    Hey Nitwits, its called massaging the figures!!!!!!!! Look it up! Crime is not down it’s actually up! The government are spinning ya all to impress their German masters.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Brass Rat
    Favourite The Brass Rat
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:45 PM

    Shatter lives in a very very cosy worry free life, far removed from the general population.

    I bet shatter has made more phone calls to check on his property portfolio than he has to Garda chiefs to check the crime stats.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marty Borgnine
    Favourite Marty Borgnine
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:49 PM

    Did I just read that Alan Shatter had something positive to say about the Gardai? Not like him…

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rita Melendez Wardick
    Favourite Rita Melendez Wardick
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:14 PM

    @ Marty…eh…no, he’s not really. If you read his statement, he’s still plugging away at the cuts he has already made. He appears to be giving them a compliment, when in fact he’s not! It’s about him trying to sell it to the public!…

    16
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Daly
    Favourite Peter Daly
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:27 PM

    The Brass Rat
    You’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel with that comment. You seem to be a hate filled person and I therefor suggest you seek counseling. Even in this bankrupt State you could be prioritized for free treatment.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Beag
    Favourite Sean Beag
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:27 PM

    Attempted homicide is down but actual homicide is up? I think I see a connection.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute andy lynch
    Favourite andy lynch
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:35 PM

    That’s an encouraging figure alright, it shows an increase in focus and work ethic.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eagle eye
    Favourite Eagle eye
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:47 PM

    That shatter is a laugh. It would be obvious that for most of the above offences, there is a drop because of the lack of Gardai. Controlled drugs, possession of firearms etc are all detected as a result of a Gardai initiative and conducting searches, less Gardai and less vehicles=a big drop in detected offences such as these.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute andy lynch
    Favourite andy lynch
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:55 PM

    Seems like progress, if you don’t mind a spot of rape and murder in your day to day life. Next the HSE will release figures showing a decrease in misplaced medical files and bureaucratic blunders with a minor increase in negligent fatalities.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cer Berus
    Favourite Cer Berus
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:54 PM

    Please let’s have a semblance of common sense in relation to these figures. It’s great that crime figures look downward with notable exceptions.
    But look at the categories that show the largest decreases categories 4 & 10-15 (14 appears to have dropped off the statistics completely no sign at all 8-)) These particular categories mostly only register when discovered. So less Gardai with less time to deal with situations = less detections = automatic drop. That leaves 8 categories 4 up, 4 down.
    Murders and rapes cannot be avoided and as mentioned murder rate still to be increased as investigations ongoing. Burglaries of course are up but aggravated burglaries are down although it is the intensity of violence used in the aggravated burglaries which is becoming more ferocious.

    All figures are provided by Garda management to the CSO. Management whose figures are how they earn promotions and can classify or change categories as they feel fit.

    So basically take whatever spin you wish to take but realise that out of “15″ Groups only 8 not reliant on police activity and detection and of that 8 only reductions in 4.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute lick a stinger
    Favourite lick a stinger
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 5:49 PM

    Who compiles figures gaurds or independent agency? I know cso publish them. Plus crime ‘numbers’ will decrease if theres no gaurds to detect crimes? ie drugs, drunkeness, drink driving etc. Surely u cant hide a murder or declassify it to a lesser crime, other crimes though;)

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Daly
    Favourite Peter Daly
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 6:33 PM

    Lick
    The GARDAI provide the data to the CSO so put away your paranoia and deal with the reality…..crime is continuing to decline. And just as a by and by our general crime levels under nearly every single heading confirm an enviable record for Ireland. On a population basis we appear to have one of the lowest levels of crime in the world. But of course that doesn’t sell newspapers where lurid stories worsen the perception of crime.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sean o reilly
    Favourite sean o reilly
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:28 PM

    Lies damn lies and statistics

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe OShea
    Favourite Joe OShea
    Report
    Mar 28th 2013, 8:59 PM

    Except when they’re in your favour, of course.

    5
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds