Decade of crime figures in Meath revealed

There were 7,599 burglaries reported to Gardaí in Meath in the past decade, according to figures released to Deputy Peadar Tóibín.

During the same time period more than 100 people were arrested for sexual assault in the county.

Deputy Tóibín has called for more Gardaí for the county.

"These figures are frightening - these are 7,599 people or families who have suffered a break in or theft in their homes or properties.

“I know from speaking to some of them that their lives have been changed forever - with some having been robbed of their most precious possessions and others left unable to sleep at night due to a fear that they will be burgled again.

“Despite having one of the most rapidly growing populations in the country, according to the most recent census figures, Meath still has one of the lowest ratios of Gardaí to citizens. These figures are particularly shameful when we remember that the current Justice Minister is a TD for Meath. We need a dramatic increase in the number of Gardaí in the county".

Deputy Tóibín said while the statistics on burglaries have shown a clear dip since the onset of the pandemic, this was due to the fact that more people were working from home, and so there were less opportunities for criminals.

“I'm particularly concerned about elderly people in the county, many of whom are feeling alone, isolated and vulnerable".

"Last year 18 people in Co Meath were arrested for sexual assault, the highest figure for the past decade. This is an area where we need more resources also - in terms of specialised Gardaí. We need to work to ensure a higher conviction rate for these types of shocking crimes", concluded Deputy Tóibín.