This article is from page 8 of the 2012-05-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
CLARE’S most senior garda has acknowledged the “widespread” problem of fuel theft in Clare.
Chief superintendent of the Clare Garda Division John Kerin said yesterday that gardaí had received an estimated 40 reports of fuel theft so far this year.
He said roughly 25 report referred to the theft of home heating oil while around 15 to 20 concerned theft of fuel from cars. He explained, “It is fairly widespread, right across the country and people are using sophisticated methods.”
Chief Supt Kerin was speaking at a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) in Clare County Council.
JPC Chairman Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) said people should not be tempted by offers of cheap fuel.
He said, “If the price is unbelievable then don’t believe it.”
Cllr PJ Ryan (Ind) said his business had been a victim of fuel theft. He added, “It seems to be on the increase over the last few weeks.”
The meeting heard that 54 neighbourhood watch schemes are currently active in Clare along with 41 Community Alert Schemes and 10 Business Watch Schemes.
Chief Supt Kerin said the gardaí are placing a “major focus” on establishing new scheme and revitalising existing ones.
He said, “The Business Watch Scheme on the industrial estate in Shannon is one of the very best I have ever seen. Crime has been reduced to virtually nothing.”
Concern was also expressed about the number of burglaries in Clare.
Chief Supt Kerin said 33 per cent of all burglaries occur as a result of people leaving doors or windows open.
Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) said it was “soul destroying” for communities to see criminals with numerous previous convictions receive suspended sentences.
Labour TD for Clare Deputy Michael McNamara said gardaí could be freed up from court time if they a new system was introduced that would allow Garda seargents to give evidence of minor crimes.