13,000 knives were seized by Gardai over the last seven years across the country. That's according to Monaghan Senator, Robbie Gallagher, who says the figures indicate clearly that knife crime is escalating in the Republic of Ireland.
He says that anti-social behaviour - in all its forms - is intolerable, and individuals carrying weapons increase danger to the general public. Meanwhile, last year, 2,146 knives were seized equating to nearly six knives being lifted by Gardai every day.
Senator Gallagher added that a new system - introduced by An Garda Siochana - will improve the recording of all objects seized and ensure that the Force becomes more proactive in the fight against knife crime.
"The Gardai have introduced a new system which improves the level of recording of all objects seized, including knives. More recent increases in seizures are also due to proactive policing operations, particularly during 2020 with the increased Garda presence due to Covid-19.
"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% since 2015. Budget 2023 also provides for 1,000 new Gardaí and over 400 new Garda staff in 2023.
"We must ensure that Gardaí have all necessary resources to tackle all forms of Anti-Social Behaviour, this must involve allowing Gardaí to get onto our streets and provide for visible presence," he concluded.
