Irl call to tackle rural crime

Moate-based Irish Rural Link (IRL), the national network representing the interest of rural communities, has described the latest rural crime statistics as “very serious”.

The organisation was reacting to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) today which show there were 420 crimes a month reported on farms throughout the country for the first six months of 2014.

Unsurprised by the statistics, Irish Rural Link’s Chief Executive Seamus Boland stated: “The figures are very serious, crime statistics continue to rise and needs to be addressed by government. As the number of crimes continues to rise so does the fear among rural communities”.

IRL continues to campaign for a modern rural policing system that protects rural communities especially the most isolated of its residents, he stressed

“There needs to be greater coordination between communities and An Garda Síochana to reduce the risk of crime while at the same time IRL continues to call on the Government to update their policy on policing in rural areas as crime continues to rise,” concluded the IRL boss.