PSNI: Number Of Sex Offences At Highest Level In Almost Two Decades

The number of sex offences in Northern Ireland has hit its highest level in almost two decades, according to the latest PSNI crime statistics for 2016/17.

The number of recorded sexual offences increased by 4% on the previous year.

Domestic abuse incidents rose by 2.7%, the highest level ever recorded.

Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said: "Whilst the number of crimes with a domestic motivation fell, the number of incidents with a domestic abuse motivation rose and I would continue to encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to come forward and report it to police."

However, the level of crime has decreased with the overall figure lowest since 1998/99.

Mr Harris continued: "These figures show a snapshot of crime types we are dealing with but it is also important to acknowledge that although the statistics show the number of traditional crimes recorded has fallen, demand on policing is increasing and becoming more complex as traditional crime has given way to those less visible, more complex crimes such as public protection offending and cyber-crime."

(CD/MH)