Social media disputes and good weather hit crime stats

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery reported the figures for the first quarter of 2014/15 to a meeting of the police, fire and rescue and safer communities board at the council on Friday.

The number of incidents rose by almost 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2013/14, going from 1,304 to 1,431.

Chief Supt Imery said in her report: “The main factors behind this increase relate to social media/communication disputes -up 27 per cent, drinking in public - up 22 per cent, and general noise - up 26 per cent.

“There is little doubt that the prolonged spell of good weather has had an effect on these figures, and this coupled with a continued drop in anti-social behaviour over a five year period play a part in the percentage rise being recorded.”

Chief Supt Imery also reported that the number of common assaults fell by over 17 per cent compared to the same period of the last financial year, which she described as “very positive”.

Between April and the end of June there was decrease in the number of crimes recorded, but also a small drop in the detection rate, from 55.6 per cent to 52.3 per cent.

Chief Supt Imery said: “It is disappointing to note a drop in the detection rate, however we are confident that this will improve as the year progresses.”