NI Crime Rates Up 2.9%

Annual crime figures for Northern Ireland have revealed a rise of 2.9% last year compared to the previous 12 months.

The PSNI recorded 109,995 offences between April 2018 and March 2019, representing an increase of 2,875. Higher levels of violence against the person offences, sexual offences and drug offences were seen while those relating to criminal damage, burglary and vehicles showed falling rates.

The figures also show that eight of the eleven policing districts experienced a higher level of crime.

At 36, 472 incidents last year, violence against the person offences have followed a general upwards trend and are 6.8% higher than the previous year.

Falls in burglary, criminal damage and robbery offences however have contributed to a continual decrease over the last 15 years.

Last year, there were 54 police recorded crimes per every 1000 people in Northern Ireland, compared to 52 in the previous 12 months.

Commenting on the statistics, Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Anne Connolly said they provide an insight into the range and type of crimes facing PSNI officers in the community.

She said: "Since 2016/17, when the lowest level was recorded, the figures have shown an annual increase but still remain relatively low when compared with other policing areas. That said, in this report there are some notable increases in a number of reported crime types which require further analysis. There are also areas where crime reports have fallen so it is equally important to understand why this is the case.

"As a board, we are mindful that behind every statistic is a crime victim and we want people to have the confidence to report crime and be satisfied in how their case has been handled by the police and the wider criminal justice system.

"The board will be questioning the chief constable at the June meeting so that there can be full scrutiny and understanding of the published figures."



(JG/MH)