Belfast city crime rate down 11%, says PSNI

Crime rates in Belfast city centre have dropped by eleven per cent in the last six months, police revealed today.

Crime rates in Belfast city centre have dropped by eleven per cent in the last six months, police revealed today.

Assaults are down by 15 per cent, theft from vehicles have dropped by more than a third and burglaries from businesses have been cut by a quarter.

The overall drop of 11 per cent represents 285 fewer crimes taking place in the city centre over the six month period compared with the last half year statistics.

Incidents of criminal damage have, however, shown a slight increase, rising from 257 to 281.

PSNI Chief Superintendent George Hamilton said the overall fall in crime figures was down to efforts and determination of the city centre policing team and its partners.