Over 100 people in Clare have been found to be intoxicated while driving a vehicle since the start of the year.
Members of Clare’s Joint Policing Committee have heard this morning that the number of people in this county caught driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has risen by over 30% since last year.
Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan has told members that between January and October of this year, Gardaí in Clare identified 123 people as “intoxicated driving a vehicle” which is up from 93 last year.
This represents an increase of 32%.
Serious injuries on the roads in Clare however are down 25% to 15 while speeding is down 18% to 101.
Looking at property crime, the offence of “theft from shop” has seen a 54% increase with Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan noting that alcohol makes up a large portion of items stolen.
Other theft-related crimes have seen similar increases while the Drugs Unit have reported a 41% rise in in those apprehended for drugs for sale or supply.
The number of people found to be in breach of a barring order, safety order or protection order is up 30% on last year while domestic disputes are up 22%.
In terms of violent crime, there’s been a 26% surge in minor assaults while public order offences and assault causing harm are up 14% and 15%, respectively.
It’s also been confirmed that rape is up 8% while other sexual offences have seen no change.
Finally, fraud and economic crime, which can include scam text messages or emails, is up 8%.
On this subject, the Chief Superintendent has advised members of the public to be vigilant and to delete or not respond to any suspicious correspondence they may receive.
