Crime levels in Northern Ireland have risen by 6 per cent so far this year, it was revealed today.
Police clearance rates for sectarian and racist crimes have also slumped, according to new figures.
The statistics show the force was less than half way towards its target for solving violent offences.
As PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde urged his district commanders to intensify their efforts, a Policing Board representative expressed shock at the latest statistics.
Democratic Unionist member Ian Paisley Jr said: "These are alarming figures. What's even more worrying is that they come on the back of a 4 per cent increase in overall crime last year."
Sir Hugh disclosed the latest PSNI performance summary, from April 1st to June 11th this year, during a private briefing to the Board.
Despite attempts to cut the total number of crimes by 2 per cent, overall the figure increased from 23,589 for the same period last year to 24,969 (up 5.9 per cent).
It did manage a major reduction in vehicle crime during that two and a half months, however, cutting incidents by 10.7 per cent from 1,752 to 1,565. But there were 100 more violent crimes, even though a 2 per cent reduction target was set for this year.
Although Sir Hugh stressed the PSNI was facing tougher targets than other UK forces, he said they could be achieved. He also reassured the Board, during its monthly meeting yesterday, that it was still early in the year and that cases currently being processed would improve the figures.
The Chief Constable has met with his district commanders to ensure "we have not taken our eye off the ball", he told the Board.
PA