Burglary rates in the Ballina district have fallen dramatically in 2013.
The good news comes after a sharp spike last year, which saw burglaries more than double from 71 in 2011 to 149 in 2012.
Superintendent Gerry Donnelly said gardaí in the district were leaving no stone unturned to tackle such crimes, which he said had a particularly damaging effect on the victim’s confidence.
“Any leads we have, any potential evidence, we are going to extreme lengths to gather what we can.”
Speaking at a joint policing committee meeting in Ballina this week, the superintendent said the detection rate for burlary is 24 per cent.
He said it was a “difficult crime to detect”, particulary in private homes when there is no CCTV and gardaí rely on fingerprint and footprint evidence.
Superintendent Donnelly said gardaí were working with local communities to educate property owners to the risks and the measures they can take to combat burglars.
“It is incumbent on us all to protect our property and there is practical, simple advice available,” he added.
Deputy Michelle Mulherin, who sits on the joint policing committee, welcomed the significantly lowered burglary rates.
“My full compliments to the gardaí,” she said. “Burglarly has been tackled and we are back down to the rates of previous years.”
