Head Of Clare Garda Division Says No Connection Between Falling Gardaí And Rise In Criminality

The head of the Clare Garda Division has dismissed any suggestion of a connection between falling Garda numbers and a rise in criminality in the county. This quarter's Clare Joint Policing Committee meeting has heard almost all areas of crime are up this year compared to last year, with theft from shops up 59%, offences related to sale or supply of drugs up 38% and minor assaults up 23%. Meanwhile, Clare Garda numbers have dropped by 33 in the last year partially owing to 10 Gardaí being promoted to the ranks of sergeant and inspector. Chief Superintendent of the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division, Colm O'Sullivan, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that despite a decline in boots on the ground, Gardaí are still well-equipped to enforce the law.