60% OF PEOPLE FEEL CRIME IN NI IS ON RISE ALCOHOL AND DRUGS BLAMED: NEW SURVEY

THREE-fifths of people here believe crime levels have increased in the last two years.

A survey also shows that locals think drugs, alcohol and a lack of discipline from parents are the major factors in what they perceive to be a rise in offending.

Only 10% of those questioned said they believed there was less crime in 2018 as compared to 2016.

The figures are set out in the Perceptions of Crime survey published by the Department of Justice.

The survey highlighted the reasons why people believe crime is rising, with 80% blaming drugs, 60% saying alcohol is a major concern, and over half believing the lack of parental discipline is the cause.

One in nine — 11% of respondents — thought it was likely that they would be the victim of burglary, 9% believed they would experience some form of vehicle-related theft, while 5% perceived themselves to be at risk of violent crime.

Victim Support chief executive Geraldine Hanna said one worrying statistic was that almost a quarter (22%) felt the fear of crime had a moderate effect on their life.

“We also cannot dismiss the fact that 60% think crime levels have increased in the two years while 5% have perceived themselves to be at risk of violent crime,” she said.

“The research also highlights a growing recognition within the general public of the effect societal issues such as addiction and anti-social behaviour can have on crime, and particularly the fear of crime.

“Victim Support NI has been encouraged by the justice system’s approach with the establishment of problem-solving courts and enhanced combination orders.

“However, we would like to see a cross-department governmental approach in tackling these issues. All types of crime can have an impact on the victim, both immediately and in the years ahead.”

Belfast SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said it was important to remember that it is not perceptions about crime that matter, but facts.

“Of course drugs can push individuals into crime, especially those struggling to fund their addiction,” he said.

“However, it is important that those addicted to drugs receive not stereotypes but the vital support they need.”

PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said that while policing was facing many challenges at the moment, his officers remained fully committed to protecting the public.

“Keeping people safe will always be our priority and how safe people feel is an important factor in their quality of life,” he said.

“These are challenging times for policing but I want to reassure the general public that police officers and staff are working around the clock to prevent crime, protect the vulnerable and detect those who commit crime and bring them before the courts.

“Whilst the survey results are encouraging we realise they mean little if you have been a victim of crime.

“It remains crucial that people continue to tell us about crime when they see it or experience it.

“We can only work to address local issues when we know about them so I encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime to take the very important step of reporting it to us.”