Burglaries, Thefts And Robberies On The Rise In Westmeath

Tuesday, 11 October 2022 at 17:14

Crime rates in the county have returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Crime levels in Westmeath have returned to normal since the pandemic.

During a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee, Chief Superintendent John Dollard confirmed that the number of burglaries, thefts and robberies are up, compared to this time last year

The number of burglaries in Westmeath is up by 38, jumping from 51 this time last year to 89 this year.

There have been 8 robberies so far in the county - seven of which have lead to arrests and currently have people in court in connection with them.

There have been 2 more thefts of vehicles so far this year compared to 2021, however, thefts from vehicles have seen a substantial reduction, down 22%.

Theft from properties has seen a massive increase, up 70% on this time last, while theft from shops is also up 61%.

Despite this, Detective Inspector Tom Quinn says they have a "fairly good handle on things and are still a long way short of where crime levels were three years ago."