The rising crime rates may not be reflective of an actual increase in crime, according to a former detective. 

The Irish Independent reported today that roughly one in eight Garda stations around Ireland experienced their highest crime rates in a decade. 

More than 320 stations recorded varying levels of increasing crime rates, including public order offences, trespassing and vandalism. 

Former Detective Inspector and author Pat Marry said the reported figures may not accurately reflect increasing crime. 

“The figures may not represent exactly what's happening out there,” he told The Pat Kenny Show. 

“To give you an example, let’s say sexual offences – they don’t come into this – but you often have historic crimes that are being investigated. 

“They go on to the system as part of the historical investigation, but it pushes up sexual offences for that year. 

“There hasn’t maybe been a rise in sexual offences in that year specifically, the figures are distorted because of the historical nature.” 

He also argued rising crime rates could be down to the increase in “far-right” protests around the country, particularly at accommodation earmarked for asylum seekers. 

Reasons for rising crime rates

Some incidents may also be inaccurately recorded, according to Mr Marry. 

“I know in my day, if your shed was broken into, they would record it as a burglary,” he said. 

“You might have 20 sheds broken into one night - they all go down in burglaries but now you have people thinking, ‘Oh God, the burglar’s coming into my house’. 

“Figures are figures, but they have to be analysed and broken down to see exactly what's happening.” 

Garda Representative Association (GRA) President Mark O’Meara pointed out crimes have a “set criteria for classification” for “transparency and accountability”. 

He said these figures show what many in the GRA have been saying – a lack of resources, recruitment and retention in the Gardaí. 

“We did exit interviews a little over a year ago in the GRA... every single case spoke about burnout and the increased workload and how it affects their mental health issues,” he said. 

Pressure on existing Gardaí

While the GRA “appreciates” recruitment campaigns, Mr O’Meara said there should also be a focus on retention of Gardaí already sworn to service. 

“They're realising that the resources available to them and the numbers available to them and increased workload has an absolute detrimental effect on them.” 

The report by the Independent did not include homicide, sexual offences or most road traffic offences. 

It found that 76 stations saw the highest crime rates in a decade in 2023, while 16 stations saw the worst in 20 years. 

Crime also peaked in larger towns such as Athlone, Waterford, Tralee and Trim.