Violent crime in Lisburn goes up by 20 per cent

The figures show 296 more offences of violence against people were reported to police in the city than in the previous 12 months - a rise of 20.9%.

Recently arrived area commander Chief Inspector Darrin Jones said he was 'most concerned' at the rise and pledged: "This is an area that we will not allow to escalate and to tackle this issue I have initiated a full analysis of the causes of these crimes.

"Hot spot areas will be identified and resourced appropriately to combat assaults. Also, it is essential we forge good partnerships and working groups with statutory and voluntary agencies to reduce the number of domestic offences against the person."

Overall the number of crimes committed in Lisburn last year went up by 4.3% - an increase of 269 incidents. However there has been an improvement on detection rates, up 2.4% (213 incidents).

There was a decrease in vehicle offences, including vehicle thefts, tampering and thefts from vehicles, down 55.7% or 76 fewer incidents, a 15.8% (22 incidents) drop in non trafficking drugs offences and a 4.8% (3 incidents) drop in robberies. But there was a rise of 16 incidents (30.2%) of drug trafficking offences.

Overall clearance rates are just over a quarter in the Lisburn Area – an improvement of 2.4%.

Chief Inspector Jones said whilst he disappointed at the statistics he was pleased to see "the efforts of my officers are continuing to have an effect on the activity of these criminals.

"The increase of 213 detections continues to reflect our commitment to bringing more people before the courts," he said.

"Another area of concern is the increase in fraud and forgery by 13.8% (some 33 incidents). Our Neighbourhood policing teams are conducting a programme of crime prevention awareness and in particular will focus on the areas of fraudulent transactions and cold calling at homes. I would appeal to the community to make it difficult for the opportunist thief by reporting suspicious activity and not to answer doors to strangers who do not have identification.

"My commitment to the people of Lisburn remains firm. Our commitment to working in partnership with the community will continue to grow and make a real difference to the peace and security we would wish for all."

The Commander of D District which includes Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Carrick and Antrim, Chief Superintendent Henry Irvine, said: "The rise in crime within the district overall of 0.6%, although small is totally unacceptable and one which I know my officers will work hard to eradicate. However I am also pleased that clearance rates across D District in general have improved. Bringing more people to justice is one of our key priorities.