By Catherine Cook

THERE has been a significant increase in aggravated burglaries in Donegal, according to recent figures from the Central Statistics Office.

The statistics also show a surge in the number of thefts and drug possession cases coming before the courts.

However, there was a decrease in most other crimes during 2009 compared to the previous year.

The new CSO figures reveal that 2009 saw a 40 per cent increase in the number of cases relating to possession of drugs with intent to supply, although this comes from a relatively low base of 30 such crimes in 2008.

There was a 25 per cent increase in burglaries while theft and related offences increased by nine per cent. There was a marked rise in this type of crime which increased from four during to 2008 to eleven in 2009.

In the Donegal Garda Division, there was a decrease in rape and sexual assaults from 76 in 2008 to 53 in 2009.

Murder

The number of attempts or threats to murder fell by 17 per cent with 898 incidents recorded last year.

Ongoing campaigns by gardai to deter drink drivers and arrest those who continue to do so have also had positive consequences with the CSO figures reflecting a fall of 22 per cent in relation to drink driving arrests. Drink-driving offences decreased from 723 in 2008 to 535 in 2009.

According to the figures 2009 saw ten cases of abandoning, neglect and cruelty to a child.