More than 2,000 knives were seized in 2022 as gardai attempt to clamp down on violent activity on our streets.
There has been a concerning level of knife crime seizures in every county in Ireland, according to figures released to Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell. 905 knives were seized in the Dublin Region last year, up from 812 in 2021.
Deputy Farrell said: "Anti-social behaviour, in all its forms is intolerable, however if an individual is carrying a weapon, it dramatically increases the danger to the general public. We cannot allow thugs to think they can roam our streets armed with a knife or any other weapon."
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There has been a steady increase in the amount of knives being seized annually by the gardai. In 2016, 1,203 knives were seized, and this number rose to 2,146 last year - a staggering 78 per cent increase over the seven year period. The Dublin Fingal TD added: “Clearly any stabbing has the potential to cause irreparable harm and has had tragic consequences for families and individuals up and down the country."
According to the information obtained, the 2016 – 2018 increase in garda seizures is due to the introduction of a new system which improved the level of recording of all objects seized, including knives. According to Deputy Farrell, more recent increases in seizures are also due to proactive policing operations, particularly during 2020 with the increased Garda presence due to Covid-19.
He said: “It is clear that high visibility policing works and is a key tool in building stronger, safer communities. There are currently 14,100 members of the force, an increase of 10 per cent since 2015. Budget 2023 also provides for 1,000 new Gardaí and over 400 new Garda staff in 2023."
The Fine Gael TD added: “We must send a message to anyone considering leaving there home with a knife, you will face serious consequences. We must ensure that Gardai have all necessary resources to tackle all forms of Anti-Social Behaviour, this must involve allowing Gardai to get onto our streets and provide for visible presence.
“Lethal weapons have no place in our public spaces, those who seek to break these laws must face the rigour of the law, this behaviour is not acceptable in our country." In total, 13,138 knives have been seized by gardai in the years between 2016 – 2022.
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