Fear Of Being A Victim Of Crime Exceeds The Risk

Justice Minister David Ford has said that the fear of crime outstrips reality.

He was responding to today's publication of the national statistical report on the Perceptions of Crime, which found that people’s fear of being a victim of crime exceeds the risk.

Mr Ford said: "Crime levels in Northern Ireland are on a downward trend and people are less likely to be victims of crime here than in England and Wales.

"The findings of today's report do not come as any surprise. During the consultation process on the Community Safety Strategy, the common theme running through the public meetings was the contrast between the fear of being a victim of crime and the actual risk."

The statistical report finds that 15% of those questioned thought they were likely to be a victim of burglary in the next 12 months, compared with the actual risk of two percent.

There were similar findings for car crime and violent crime, where the likelihood of being a victim far exceeded the reality.

Mr Ford continued: "Tackling crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the criminal justice system and progress is being made.

"Crime levels are down as are incidents of anti-social behaviour and the establishment of the new Policing and Community Safety Partnerships in the next few months will bring together organisations at a local level of tackle crime and the fear of crime."

(CD/GK)