Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon, has welcomed publication by Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015 designed to clampdown on repeat burglary offenders and tackle crime in Kildare and nationwide.
“Statistics from An Garda Siochana show that 75% of burglaries are committed by the same 25% of burglars highlighting the lack of sufficient deterrents in this area up to now. This new Bill is targeted at repeat burglars who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences.
“The new Bill will mean that where a burglar is being sentenced for multiple offences, the District Court will impose consecutive jail sentences. This new law will also allow the courts to refuse bail for offenders who have a previous conviction for domestic burglary, coupled with two or more pending charges.
“Home is the place where we should all feel most safe and secure. This is why Minister Fitzgerald undertook a review of how the criminal justice system treats burglaries.
“In addition to the new legislation €700,000 has also been allocated to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of specialist vehicles to support the Gardaí in tacking highly-mobile criminal gangs, including those involved in burglaries.
“I am hopeful of a swift passing of this bill, so that the new laws can be implemented as soon as possible to tackle burglars affecting homes and families in Kildare. I am confident that targeting repeat offenders has the potential to significantly reduce the number of burglaries being committed here.