An Garda Síochána

Christmas can be an especially difficult, dangerous and anxious period for many of those experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control or sexual and gender-based violence. Every single hour of every day, we respond to calls from people all over Ireland living with violence and domestic abuse in their homes - women, men and even children - who are affected and need our help, support and reassurance. Domestic abuse is an aspect of society that must change, and we are determined to help eliminate. Some key facts from a recent briefing by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau: To date this year we have received more than 61,000 domestic abuse related contacts - a 9% increase on last year. Since non-fatal strangulation was introduced as a criminal offence in November, 2023 there have been 51 prosecutions. 35 of which were related to domestic abuse. Stalking also became a new offence last year and there have been 11 prosecutions. 6 of which related to domestic abuse. Between 2023-2024, there have been 41 prosecutions for coercive control. Since the publication of a scoping report earlier this year, 700 people have contacted us in relation to physical and sexual abuse that occurred in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. The prospect of coming forward and speaking to us about the abuse that you are enduring whether in your family home or with an intimate partner will likely feel frightening and very overwhelming, but we want you to know that speaking with us is a step that you are strong enough to take. Even where you feel that you cannot go ahead with a complaint right now, we can still help you and we will make sure you get the support and assistance you need. If you have in the past or are currently experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control, sexual or gender-based violence - please get in touch with us in whatever way is most comfortable and safe for you. Drop into or pick up the phone to any Garda station or contact us on the Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111 or if your only opportunity is when meeting a Garda on patrol or at a checkpoint. You will be listened to and heard at your own pace and in your own time. If you are in emergency over Christmas, do not hesitate to dial 999/112. #KeepingPeopleSafe

Over 2,300 drivers have been detected speeding on Irish roads over the past seven days. These included a driver going 203 km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M1 near Lusk, Co. Dublin, another driving 131km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N15 Co. Donegal, and the driver of this car who was detected this morning travelling 97km/h in a 50km/h zone in Cloghan, Co. Offaly. Today is National Slow Down Day - our enforcement operation aimed at helping make sure that we all get home safely for Christmas. Please help us and reduce your speed. #SaferRoads

Gardaí on patrol at Ballykelly, Co. Louth, observed a car travelling at speed towards Carrickmacross. The car drove at Gardaí, who had to take evasive action to avoid being deliberately struck. A marked Armed Support Unit vehicle on patrol in the area joined the pursuit and was deliberately collided with on a number of occasions by the offending vehicle. The car eventually came to a stop at Kilmurray, Culloville and two men were arrested. A third fled on foot. A quantity of drugs and cash were discovered in a search of the car. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the areas from Ballykelly, Co Louth to Ednamo, Inniskeen, Co Monaghan and to Kilmurray, Culloville, between 1.50am to 2.30am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castleblayney Garda Station on 042 9747900 Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Yesterday, the An Garda Síochána Women's Network enjoyed our final event of 2024. The DMR, OSC & HQ Women’s Network hosted an inspiring session in Dublin, designed to help participants take control of their career journey. The event provided those in attendance with the opportunity to reflect on their achievements and set clear goals for 2025 and beyond. Led by Tracy Gunn, co-founder of Platform55, the session featured practical advice, engaging discussions, and inspiring stories by women within An Garda Síochána. #ItsAJobWorthDoing

See tips from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau to help you stay secure when shopping online this Christmas. #KeepingPeopleSafe

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was joined at yesterday's unveiling in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim by Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Mr James Browne TD, Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy of Óglaigh na hÉireann/ Irish Defence Forces and members of the Sheehan and Kelly families. A Monument of Remembrance was unveiled honouring Recruit Garda Gary Sheehan and Private Patrick Kelly for their ultimate sacrifice in their service to Ireland on the 16th of December, 1983. Both men were part of a joint Garda and Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces search operation to safely locate Mr. Don Tidey who had been kidnapped, when they were confronted and killed by the Provisional IRA at Drumcornan Wood, Ballinamore. Both young men paid an eternal price and so it is right that their sacrifice is now etched in stone, just as their loss is etched in our hearts and minds. The memorial has been designed to portray both men aptly in the form of two pillars standing tall. We know that it will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice they made for the people of Ireland. #KeepingPeopleSafe

We encourage you to always #ParkSmartShopSmart and secure your vehicle particularly at Christmas time. #KeepingPeopleSafe

Gardaí are seeking assistance from the public in the case of missing person, Imelda Keenan, who disappeared from Waterford in 1994. Tonight, on Crimecall Imelda’s brother, Gerry Keenan, appeals for help in finding out what happened to his sister who was last seen in January 1994.   Twenty-two-year-old Imelda, originally from Mountmellick in County Laois, was living and studying in Waterford City when she went missing. Gerry says “the pain that we’re enduring is much the same as the weekend our sister went missing.”   Imelda was a quiet girl who enjoyed listening to music and spending time with her family.   Superintendent Gavin Hegarty says that despite “numerous enquiries over the course of the 31 years”, they have not been able “to establish what has happened to Imelda in that intervening period.” If Imelda is still alive, she will now be 53 years old.   Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimecall on 1800 40 50 60 or Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305300 More on RTÉ One at 9:35pm. #KeepingPeopleSafe

E-scooters have become a popular way to get around but it is important you ensure your e-scooter is road legal. In this video, Sergeant Gavin Coleman from the Dublin Metropolitan Region’s Road Policing Unit explains some of the regulations. Find further information here, including downloadable PDFs on e-scooter road safety; https://lnkd.in/g4gQ7KxE Together we can reduce serious and fatal road traffic collisions. #KeepingPeopleSafe

169 new Gardaí have been attested today as sworn members of An Garda Síochána. Being a Garda is not an easy job and there are points in policing when it can be a heavy burden, but we do not carry it alone. We're a team, and we are proud of each of our 169 new colleagues that join our side today because together we know that keeping people and communities safe is a job worth doing. #ItsAJobWorthDoing