Crime Down, Fear Up — What’s Going On? Episode 663

On this week’s episode, Niall is joined by Eric Nelligan from Aontú to unpack the latest provisional crime figures from the An Garda Síochána — and to ask whether they tell the full story.

The Gardaí say crime is down across most serious categories, including robberies, thefts and sexual offences. But at the same time, fraud — particularly online fraud — has surged by a staggering 130%.

So what’s really going on?

Many people say they simply don’t believe the figures. Some argue that crimes are going unreported because victims feel nothing will be done. Others suggest burglaries may be down not because crime has fallen, but because more homes now have alarms, cameras and stronger security.

And then there’s the bigger question: if crime rates are down, why do so many people say they feel less safe walking the streets of our towns and cities? Can both things be true at the same time?

Niall and Eric debate whether the statistics match the lived reality — and what needs to change if public confidence in policing is to be restored.

We want to hear from you.

📞 Do you believe the crime figures?
📞 Do you feel safe on the streets of our cities?
📞 Have you noticed a reduction — or an increase — in crime in your area?