Annual crime figures published today by the PSNI reveal that 98,076 crimes were recorded in Northern Ireland last year, a fall of 6.6% on the previous year and the lowest number recorded since 1998/99.
Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly said:
“The crime figures published today are used in part to measure progress against the Annual Policing Plan and to inform the future plans and priorities of the PSNI.
Whilst it is welcome that recorded crime is down in the majority of the crime classifications and overall figures are now sitting at the lowest recorded level, there are some individual statistics that generate particular concern.
We know that behind every statistic is a victim and it is important that people do feel confident to come forward to report crime to the police and are satisfied with the police handling of their case and outcomes achieved.
The figures show that in some crime categories outcome rates have been achieved whilst in others targets set have not been reached. These figures do need further analysis and explanation in order to understand why this is the case.
A report from the Chief Constable on the crime figures and police performance will be received by the Board in due course.”
Ends
For further information please contact the Board’s Communications Office on 07801 738795.
Notes to Editors
The full statistical analysis is available to view on the PSNI website at www.psni.police.uk