The special unit in Swords Garda Station that has been responsible for increased searches, seizures, and action on anti-social behaviour, has been stood down over the summer.
The unit, which was in operation over the last year, was operating in a proactive manner to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour in the Swords area, including burglaries and illegal scrambler use.
The unit’s existence has coincided with a significant reduction in burglaries and a substantial increases in searches and car seizures in the Swords area.
However the four garda unit was disbanded over the summer months with the gardaí returning to regular units.
The Fingal Joint Policing Committee were told last week that the unit was always a temporary measure and that Community Gardaí have responsiblity for dealing with anti-social behaviour issues in the sub district.
In response to a written question from Cllr Ann Graves, Garda management also outlined how overtime is now available for two additional gardaí on Friday and Saturday evenings to deal with any issues.
The JPC was told that that the re-establishment of the Swords Community Response team will be examined by the management team in September.
Cllr Ian Carey, Chair of the Fingal Joint Policing Committee, said:
“I was disappointed to hear that the Swords Community Response team for Swords had been stood down because I think it is clear from both the crime statistics and reports from residents that it had been a successful initiative.
“Communities have reported increased garda visibility since the unit was established and similarly burglary numbers in Swords are back to the low levels we experienced during the Covid pandemic.
“I’ll be seeking to get a better understanding of the reasons for the change. I understand the need to balance resources against changing need but in light of continued difficulties surrounding the use of scrambers in parks I think we need to think carefully about unpicking a model of policing that has been working for the community.”
