June crime statistics

The June rolling year crime statistics reveal assaults against police increased by 27 per cent in the period – or 170 offences – from 620 to 790 offences reported in the period.

The rolling year figures also reveal the number of robberies, several categories of theft, homicide offences and sexual offences declined in the period, but a slight increase in residential and non-residential break-ins was recorded.

The number of robberies decreased by 12 per cent in the period – from 509 to 450 offences. This is the tenth successive decrease in reported offending that has largely been driven by the targeting of recidivist offenders through proactive policing.

Within the theft category, motor vehicle theft and related offences increased by four per cent – or 451 offences – from 11,033 to 11,484 incidents reported. Theft from a person declined by 11 per cent – or 1,555 offences – from 14,298 to 12,743 incidents reported.

Theft from retail premises has continued to decline with a four per cent declined reported – or 879 offences – from 22,831 to 21,952 incidents reported. The decline can be attributed to the proactive policing of recidivist shoplifters and the reducing number of petrol theft incidents.

The number of break-ins has increased slightly for the second successive month with a three per cent increase in serious criminal trespass reported. Residential break-ins increased by 173 reported offences - from 5,688 to 5,861 reported incidents while non-residential break-ins increased by 33 reported offences – from 3,416 to 3,449 reported incidents.

Sexual offences have recorded another slight decrease with a two per cent decline reported in the period. This is the third successive decrease in reported offences.

Within that category aggravated sexual assault declined by one per cent – or 13 offences – from 1,601 to 1,588 offences reported, non-aggravated sexual assault declined by 20 per cent – or 100 offences – from 501 to 401 offences reported and child procurement or grooming decreased by 55 per cent – or 51 offences – from 92 to 41 reported offences.

Homicide and related offences have continued to decline significantly with a 21 per cent drop reported - or 12 offences - from 57 to 45 reported incidents.

Within that category murder decreased by 33 per cent – or four offences – from 12 to eight reported offences. The number of attempted murders declined by 30 per cent – or seven offences – from 23 to 16 reported offences. Manslaughter or driving causing death declined by one offence from 22 to 21 reported incidents.

The number of assault related offences increased by two per cent – or 424 offences – from 23,733 to 24,157 reported incidents. Within that category serious assault declined by three per cent – or 501 offences – from 16,683 to 16,182 reported incidents.