Criminals would have to pay into a fund for victims of offences like domestic burglary under plans outlined today by Northern Ireland’s Minister for Justice.
David Ford (Alliance, South Antrim) said he wants to earmark the money during a Stormont debate on robbery.
There were around 7,000 domestic burglaries last year but the number has been falling for some years, he added.
"Domestic burglary is an important crime area in terms of the fear it inflicts on society. We will continue to work on crime prevention, on detection, on appropriate disposals and on continuing to support victims," he said.
"While we have had success in reducing the level of burglary and while we face particular difficulties in the current economic circumstances, there remains more to be done."
Mr Ford said the number of burglaries had decreased from around 10,000 seven years ago to a little over 7,000 in 2009-10.
"There are still too many victims of domestic burglary and shortly I will be announcing a programme of work to improve the victims' experience of the criminal justice system," he said.
Mr Ford said the justice Bill would establish an offender levy to pay into a victims and crime fund and there would be special measures to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give evidence in court. The minister is also working on a community safety strategy.
Jim Shannon (DUP, Strangford) said there had been a spate of robberies in Newtownards, Co Down, including a smash and grab raid on a filling station.
"Things seem to have escalated to a horrifying scale. It is clear that decisive and affirmative action must be taken now," he said.
An Assembly motion condemning the spate of robberies and calling on the minister to produce a more effective strategy to protect private property was unanimously passed.
PA