Sectarian incidents up 178 per cent in Foyle

New figures released for the financial year 2009/10 show there were almost three times as many sectarian incidents last year than in 2008/9, an increase of 118 over the year or 178.8 per cent.

This was by far the highest percentage increase in sectarian incidents in Northern Ireland. Ards was next with an increase of 87.5 per cent.

The amount of sectarian offences recorded by police was also up in Foyle. In 2009/10 there were 138 offences recorded; up 106 per cent on the year before. The police detection rate was also up by 5.1 per cent over the year from 22.4 per cent to 27.5 per cent.

The rate of domestic abuse also increased substantially. There were 314 more recorded incidents of domestic abuse, an increase of 14.8 per cent. There were also 126 more offences (15.3 per cent) recorded.

Police once again improved the detection rate of domestic offences from 34.3 per cent in 2008/9 to 43.2 per cent in 2009/10.

Homophobic incidents also increased by 88.9 per cent from 9 to 17. Homophobic offences increased by 25 per cent from 8 to 10 and the detection rate was again up 30 per cent.

Hate offences motivated by faith/religion and by disability were of a much lesser rate and decreased in total over the year.

Overall the amount of crimes recorded over the year was down 3.2 per cent from 13,394 to 12,968 over the year. The amount of offences detected by police was conversely up 2.3 per cent from 3,258 to 3,452 over the year.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Chris Yates said: "While overall crime figures stayed the same compared to 2008/09, we have seen an improvement in our clearance rate which is now at 25.5 per cent. This is on par with the overall clearance rate for Northern Ireland.

"One of the issues that causes concern for local residents is burglary. I am pleased to report a 10.7 per cent reduction in domestic burglary and an 8.4 per cent fall in theft.

Intrusive crime

"Detectives in our Criminal Investigation Department supported by our Crime Prevention Officer and Neighbourhood Teams have been working hard to prevent burglaries and educate people on how best to protect their homes. This is a particularly intrusive crime and one we are committed to addressing in the coming months.

"Unfortunately we have seen a slight increase in the level of violent crime in Foyle - 96 more incidents. Tackling serious harm, including robberies, is a priority for us over the next 12 months as indicated in our recently launched Policing Plan.

"As a Police Service we will continue to work with businesses, licensed premises and local council to address these issues and make our city safer.

"For our part this will include high visibility patrols in the city centre and residential areas and alcohol seizure operations throughout the year.

"We have seen a rise in offences against the state - an increase of 65 incidents. The terrorist threat remains high, not just in Foyle, but right across Northern Ireland. We are working tirelessly with communities to combat this threat and make Foyle safer for everyone."

Chief Inspector Yates added: "Policing is not just about statistics. During the last financial year your officers have been working in your neighbourhoods to develop local projects that have a positive impact on community life.

"This included providing funding for the new multi use games area in Lincoln Courts, supporting the Gating scheme in Rosemount and working with residents to establish Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.

"We have also had considerable success with Operation Exposure and we thank the public for the support they have provided. It is important that we explore all avenues in relation to the investigation of crimes.

"We value the relationships we build with local people and recognise that an effective policing service is one that works in the community with the community."

G District Commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin, said: "I welcome the news that crime has fallen in G District. It shows that the Police Service, working with partner agencies and the community, is making this District safer for everyone.

"Although the vast majority of these figures are extremely positive, we cannot afford to be complacent. Your officers are committed to making G District a safer place however the more support we get from the community, the more we can do."