Weapon charges across the region have significantly increased over the last year according to new CSO crime figures. The data shows the number and type of offences carried out across the Shannonside region over the course of 2023 and 2024. While there has been a slight decrease in illegal fire arms possessions, charges involving knives and other non firearms offensive weapons have seen a significant increase. Irish law describes 'offensive weapons' as any item made or adapted for use for causing injury to or incapacitating a person. They can include axes, swords, bats or other repurposed tools or items.
In the first three quarters of 2024, Gardaí in the Roscommon/Longford Division and the Sligo/Leitrim Division processed seven illegal firearm possession charges compared to eight during the same period in 2023. However, when it comes to offensive weapon charges, the region saw a significant increase. 63 offensive weapon charges were issued in the first 9 months of 2024 with 37 in the Sligo Leitrim Division and 26 in the Roscommon Longford area. That's compared to just 37 similar charges during the first three quarters of 2023.
Of these, 20 were recorded in Roscommon and Longford, while 17 charges were issued in the Sligo Leitrim Division. Nationally, there were over 1,800 offensive weapon charges in the first three quarters of the year in 2024 and 154 illegal firearm charges.
