Question
From the information presented in the PSNI report card for Measure 1.4.1, the general trend for 2022 crime rates indicates an overall increase. The crime rate is the highest since 2015/2016. Therefore, could the Chief Constable clarify why there is an increase and if this indicates that Northern Ireland is currently a less safe place to live in compared to 5 years ago?
Answer
The longer-term trends in Northern Ireland show the changing composition of crime with increases in violence against the person and sexual offences and long term reductions in acquisitive crime. The increases in violent and sexual offences have been affected by changes in recording practices and improved crime recording. Violent and sexual offences are recognised as under reported so increases may not necessarily reflect a rise in these crime types; rather it may be increased reporting. This could be the result of campaigns and increased confidence in reporting, particularly in relation to violence against women and girls (VAWG) and domestic abuse. The increase in these crime categories is linked to the increases in VAWG offences, domestic abuse and crime against children. We are also recording additional crime types as a result of new legislation in the violence against the person category – stalking and controlling or coercive behaviour.
In terms of safety, we have a lower crime rate than the England & Wales average of 91.31 crimes per 1,000 population. We have a lower crime rate than all our most similar police forces as well as the rest of the England & Wales forces. We are also in the lower range in terms of rates for the major crime categories, with the exception of drugs. The ongoing increases in violent and sexual offences have to be taken into account when assessing community safety especially in conjunction with the increases in VAWG offences, domestic abuse and crimes against children. However, these crimes are recognised as under reported and effort continues to be made to increase reporting. The public is less likely to be a victim of an acquisitive crime or a criminal damage offence, with notable reductions in these crime rates in the last ten years.
Nuala McAllister - Alliance