Sharp rise in offensive weapons possession in Laois report Gardaí

Laois has seen a sharp rise in the number of crimes for possessing an offensive weapon.

Latest Garda statistics show that the rate of the crime rose by 300%, from 3 in Quarter 4 of 2022, to 12 in Quarter 4 2023.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan has reminded the public that it is illegal to carry any potential weapon such as a blade, without good cause.

"You can't go around carrying knives when you don't have a legitimate reason. Our teams in Portlaoise and Laois have been very proactive," he said.

He has a positive view on the reason for the rise.

"This is all down to proactive policing. We have engaged more with people through searches. There are no reports of injuries around these crimes," he said.

There was however a big drop in the same time period for gun possession crimes in Laois.

Possession of firearm offences dropped from three to one, a drop of 67%.

Cllr Ashling Moran, chairperson of the committee had queried the rise of offensive weapon possessions.

"It seems a huge increase. Is there any way we can put in a law against this, to say it is not ok to walk around with a sword or a big knife," she had asked.

The statistics were given as part of the March meeting of the Laois Joint Policing Committee.