The latest statistics on reported crimes in Northern Ireland show that crime has decreased by 15.7% and the overall trend is continuing downwards.

That was the message from the PSNI Chief Constable today as he attended a public meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

This translates into over 8,000 fewer crimes committed compared to the same period last year.

PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde praised the work of his officers and staff in continuing to ensure that communities across Northern Ireland are safer places in which to live and work.

Sir Hugh said: "We are proud of the reduction in crime, proud that we are continuing to make Northern Ireland safer. But we are not complacent. I and my officers recognise that there is still much work to do especially in the area of clearance rates but we will continue to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland receive a professional police service of the very highest standard.

"Any decrease in crime must be welcomed. It is with the increased support and assistance from communities and developments in policing techniques that police can make real inroads in tackling criminality and making Northern Ireland safer. As a Police Service we are developing further our proactive activity to address issues such as anti social behaviour, domestic burglary, violent crime and criminal damage. This activity will continue as the autumn approaches and key times such as Halloween are upon us. It is our aim to keep tackling crime and with the help of communities we can continue to make a real difference."

The figures revealed that domestic burglary was down by10.4%; criminal damage has been reduced by 21.6%, violent crimes against children down by 28% and violent crime by 18.5%

(SP)