DESPITE significant reductions in some categories, there has been an increase in the number of crimes reported to police in Omagh in the last 12 months.
New police figures show that there was been an increase of 209 reported crimes, 8.9% The figures reveal there has been increases in areas such as criminal damage (27.5%), robbery (up from four to 11) and sexual offences (up from 54 to 65). There were reductions of 19.4% in domestic burglaries while other burglaries fell by 18%. Thefts from vehicles fell by 18.6% with non-trafficking drugs offences falling 53.3%.
The picture emerged as deputy chief constable Paul Leighton launched the service's statistical report for the year from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007. Overall in the North crime fell by almost two per cent, which means there were 2,050 fewer crimes committed compared to last year.
Reacting to the statistics, Chief Superintendent Michael Skuce, the commander of F District (which includes Omagh) said, "Our aim as a police service is to make Northern Ireland a safer place for everyone. And in Omagh we are working hard to achieve that." He stated the police are addressing the areas of crime that have shown an increase.
Superintendent Skuce praised his officers for the work they are doing to reduce crime. He said, "In the areas where there have been reductions, this is down to the professionalism and dedication of my officers. But we couldn't do it alone. We don't police the community in Omagh. We police with the community. We believe in working with local people to find local solutions to local problems. We engage with individuals, people of good will and key stakeholders such as the district policing partnership to design flexible and locally-tailored policing initiatives."
He added, "We are making a difference. But there is still work to do. The overall clearance rate decreased from 63.3% to 37.5%. This was due to the fact that in April 2006 the police service adopted a higher evidential standard in respect of non-sanctioned clearances. That is those where no further action is taken by the police mainly due to the victim not wanting formal action taken by the police or due to no prosecution being directed."
The PSNI chief vowed the police will not be found wanting in their fight against crime. "Any rise in crime is of major concern to police. However, let me assure you that we redouble our efforts and will continue to tackle all crimes. We will also continue to tackle the fear of crime. We will continue to do all that we can to make our roads safer by addressing speeding, drink/drug driving, the non-wearing of seatbelts and general carelessness. And we will continue to make our community safer by working together."
