Gardaí are increasing the use of mobile data stations equipped with new datasets to detect serious motoring offences more efficiently and effectively at checkpoints.
- Three cars seized at one checkpoint in Kildare that had a “failed dangerous” NCT rating (where no repairs had been carried out).
- An unaccompanied “L” driver who had been driving on a learner permit for 15 years that had expired. This was one of six cars seized from unaccompanied learner drivers at the Kildare checkpoint.
- A driver stopped at checkpoint on N7 for intoxicated driving. When brought back to station, it was found he had an outstanding European Arrest Warrant for a number of serious offences.
- A van driver stopped at a DMR checkpoint who was disqualified from driving, had no insurance and no licence.
- Three separate drivers arrested at a checkpoint in Meath for driving under the influence – two for cannabis, and one for alcohol.
- The driver of a tractor stopped in Meath with tax expired for over seven years.
- Arrests for intoxicated driving in Cavan (alcohol) and Monaghan (cocaine).
- Learner driver driving unaccompanied stopped at checkpoint in Co Cork – car seized and FCPN to follow.
There have also been high visibility community engagement patrols by Gardaí in parks, natural beauty spots, and public amenities.
In relation to other regulations, since 22 October, there has been one incident where the non-wearing of face masks has resulted in a file being sent to the DPP (bringing the total to eight since this became a regulation).
There have been no incidents of failure to provide contact tracing details on landing forms since 21 October so the total remains at three.
Crime Trends
There are early indications that some categories of crime (such as burglary) have fallen since the introduction of Level 5 restrictions while others remain at similar levels (such as drug offences). The drop in crime overall does not appear to be as significant as in the April-June period. An Garda Síochána will report on these crime trends in more detail as they become more discernible over the next few weeks.
Retail Premises
It is clear from traffic volumes that people are heeding the advice to think before making a journey about whether it is really essential.We are continuing to visit and engage with retail premises to ensure compliance with the regulations. We are seeing wide-spread compliance, but there are some premises who are potentially in breach of the regulations and need to pay attention to the obligations upon them. An Garda Síochána will focus this weekend on those retailers who are still potentially not compliant.Gardaí throughout the country continue to support people who are vulnerable or who feel isolated. If you know of anyone who, for instance, needs their pension collected, or some shopping done, or checked on please contact your local Garda station. We are here to help.We appreciate this is a difficult time for people, but we all need to continue to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the public health advice.
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