PSNI reports 10% decrease in reported crime
The PSNI has reported a 10% decrease in reported crime last year and a 4.4% increase in the overall police clearance rate.
Figures published by the police force today showed that almost 128,000 offences were investigated last year, 27% of which were resolved satisfactorily.
The figures highlighted a decrease in burglaries, theft and offences against the state, but the number of drug seizures was up almost 32%, with cannabis the most commonly seized drug.
The total number of arrests made in 2003 was also up by more than 35%.
The PSNI figures showed that there were seven security-related deaths last year, eight fewer than in 2002.
There were also more than 40% fewer shooting incidents and 60% fewer bombing incidents.
Speaking at the launch of the figures, PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde said the improved clearance rate was partly due to the lack of violence during last year’s loyalist marching season.
“The quiet marching season – disorder at only 1% of all parades – enabled us to free up resources to deal with ordinary crime and paramilitary activity which would have otherwise been deployed dealing with public disorder,” he said.
Mr Orde also said there was no discernible decrease in loyalist attacks since the Ulster Defence Association announced a renewal of its ceasefire earlier this year.
Speaking at the launch of the figures, PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde said the improved clearance rate was partly due to the lack of violence during last year’s loyalist marching season.
"The quiet marching season - disorder at only 1% of all parades - enabled us to free up resources to deal with ordinary crime and paramilitary activity which would have otherwise been deployed dealing with public disorder," he said.
Mr Orde also said there was no discernible decrease in loyalist attacks since the Ulster Defence Association announced a renewal of its ceasefire earlier this year.
He also expressed concern about the sharp rise in racist attacks, one-third of which happened in south Belfast, which has large Chinese and Indian communities.
