It’s emerged that cities and large towns outside of Dublin have recorded the highest spike in crime rates compared to pre-pandemic levels.
An analysis of crime figures by the Irish Independent reveals that 252 out of a total of 564 garda stations nationwide saw crime levels in 2022 that were beyond pre-pandemic levels, including 119 stations which recorded a five-year peak.
Stations in cities such as Cork, Limerick and Waterford had the highest increases.
There were 257 stations where crime levels fell during 2022.
Carndonagh Garda Station in Donegal and Ballaghadeereen Garda Station in County Roscommon were among the stations to witness the largest increase since pre-pandemic levels.
The levels increased by 35 % in Carndonagh between 2019 and 2022 while in Ballaghadereen the figure increased by 39 per cent.
1,350 offences were reported at Sligo Garda Station in 2022. There were 64 in Ballymote, 182 in Ballyshannon and there were 94 offences recorded in Manorhamilton.
