logo
PSNI records lowest-ever number of anti-social behaviour reports across NI

PSNI records lowest-ever number of anti-social behaviour reports across NI

Figures published by the PSNI have revealed details of crime incidents reported over the 12 months to March 31, 2025, including anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, hate-motivated crime and drug seizures.
According to the figures there has been a decrease in crime in Northern Ireland.
There were 8,233 fewer crime incidents in NI over the past 12 months, a 7.9% drop from 2023/24 – including reductions in violent offences, criminal damage and harassment.
Anti-social behaviour reports were also recorded at their lowest since the data series began in 2006/7, with 1,004 less incidents reported.
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton praised the latest statistics, saying: 'These significant reductions demonstrate once again that not only is Northern Ireland one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family but also that the PSNI is a service that everyone here can be proud'.
The Deputy Chief Constable also expressed his worry over declining police numbers. 'The continued contribution of our officers and staff to these reductions really shouldn't be under-estimated or taken for granted,' he said.
"It's also important to recognise that whilst the overall number of crime and anti-social behaviour incidents has reduced, the work that goes into dealing with them is becoming increasingly complex and resource-intensive.'
Despite a decrease in general crime, the PSNI have also revealed that last year saw the highest number of race hate crimes and incidents since records began.
Official statistics show that there were 454 more race incidents and 349 more race crimes recorded in comparison to the previous year.
There were 1,807 race incidents and 1,188 race crimes documented in the 12 months from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 – the highest financial year levels recorded since the data series began in 2004/05.
A spokesperson for the activism group, United Against Racism Belfast, told this newspaper that 'the statistics on hate crime in the past year are disturbing and infuriating'.
"Attacks on migrant communities have become virulent, both online and on the streets of our shared city,' they added.
"Deliberate disinformation and hate-mongering around immigration, including by the current government, strip the humanity of Black, minority ethnic, Muslim and migrant communities.
"As a result, we have seen multiple attacks on people for no other reason but the colour of their skin, their language or their perceived immigration status.'
"This must stop'.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

East Belfast: No arrests after vigilante behaviour is 'disappointing' says councillor
East Belfast: No arrests after vigilante behaviour is 'disappointing' says councillor

BBC News

time3 hours ago

  • BBC News

East Belfast: No arrests after vigilante behaviour is 'disappointing' says councillor

A Belfast councillor has said it is "disappointing" that police have yet to make any arrests over what's been described as racist vigilante behaviour in Belfast Social Democratic and Labour Party's (SDLP) Séamas de Fáoite was speaking after talks involving the PSNI and circulating on social media last week showed groups of men stopping and intimidating people from ethnic minority have been briefing members of the East Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership on their response, which has involved putting extra officers on patrols. 'We need a hate crime bill' Speaking afterwards, de Fáoite said: "I think it's very disappointing we are still at a stage where we haven't seen any prosecutions or arrests."I think people need to see clear action and the police taking a pro-active approach."He said he accepted the PSNI were stretched in terms of resources and that proposals around hate crime legislation needed to be advanced at Stormont."In my view the police should be able to use the public order act in relation to some of these individuals."But fundamentally we do need a hate crime bill in Northern Ireland."We are not seeing that brought forward by the justice minister."The proposals she (Naomi Long) has made, so far, will only come into effect when we get to a prosecution stage, not at a point where we can actually start to tackle those people who are behind this hateful behaviour."The PSNI has been approached for comment.

Police probing possible offences following pro-Palestine rally in Belfast
Police probing possible offences following pro-Palestine rally in Belfast

ITV News

time4 hours ago

  • ITV News

Police probing possible offences following pro-Palestine rally in Belfast

Police have said they are investigating whether any criminal offences were committed following a pro-Palestinian rally in Belfast city centre. Hundreds of people attended the event at Belfast City Hall on Sunday, with a small number displaying posters and placards in support of Palestine Action. The PSNI had previously warned that anyone carrying placards or wearing clothing showing support for the proscribed group may be committing an offence. Palestine Action was proscribed by the UK Government in July, with the ban meaning that membership of, or support for, the group is a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. No arrests were made during the 'Defend the Right to Protest' rally on Sunday. However, police said they attended the event in Donegall Square North area and have launched an investigation. A statement said: 'Officers were deployed to the operation, including specially trained evidence gatherers, assisted by the Air Support Unit. 'During the demonstration, those involved blocked Chichester Street for a short period of time. 'Officers issued a number of warnings in relation to potential offences being committed. 'Several individuals in attendance were identified as being suspected of possessing articles indicating support for a proscribed organisation. 'Police are reviewing the evidence gathered in order to establish whether any offences have been committed.' The PSNI said it also received a report of an assault involving a protester and a member of the public which it was investigating. The force said inquiries are ongoing into this incident and has made an appeal for footage that could assist the investigation. The statement added: 'The right to protest, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights. 'These are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest, balanced against the rights and protection of others. 'We encourage anyone engaging in protest activity or attending demonstrations to do so lawfully and with consideration for other members of the public who wish to go about their daily business. 'A full investigation has been launched and police will review all available evidence to establish whether any further offences have been committed.' Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSNI on 101 and quote reference 776 of 17/08/25. The previous weekend, a 74-year-old woman was arrested for wearing a Palestine Action T-shirt in Belfast at an anti-racism rally. Amnesty International has called on the PSNI to 'uphold people's right to protest against the genocide being perpetrated in Gaza'. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.

PSNI probes assault during pro-Palestine protest in Belfast
PSNI probes assault during pro-Palestine protest in Belfast

Belfast Telegraph

time4 hours ago

  • Belfast Telegraph

PSNI probes assault during pro-Palestine protest in Belfast

Police are investigating an assault during pro-Palestine protest in Belfast over the weekend as a number of activists were identified as being suspected of possessing articles in support of terrorism. Officers attended a planned protest in the Donegall Square North area of the city centre on Sunday. While present, police received a report of an assault involving a protestor and a member of the public. A spokesperson confirmed enquiries are ongoing as they appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have footage that could assist the investigation to contact detectives. Police conducted a monitoring operation and deployed specially trained evidence gatherers during the protest. They were assisted by the Air Support Unit. During the demonstration, those involved blocked Chichester Street for a short period of time as officers issued a number of warnings in relation to potential offences being committed. Several individuals in attendance were identified as being suspected of possessing articles indicating support for a proscribed organisation. Police are now reviewing the evidence gathered in order to establish whether any offences have been committed. PSNI Superintendent Hagan said: 'The right to protest, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights. These are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest, balanced against the rights and protection of others. 'We encourage anyone engaging in protest activity or attending demonstrations to do so lawfully and with consideration for other members of the public who wish to go about their daily business. A full investigation has been launched and police will review all available evidence to establish whether any further offences have been committed.' Controversial Bogside bonfire set alight on August 16th in Derry The PSNI had warned anyone suspected of committing a criminal offence during protests would be arrested. Last week it highlighted the consequences of carrying placards or wearing clothing showing support for Palestine Action. It came a week after a 74-year-old woman was detained in Linenhall Street on suspicion of possession of an article that indicates support for a proscribed organisation. The suspect was wearing a T-shirt with the slogan "We are all Palestine Action" and was subsequently released on bail pending a file being sent to the Public Prosecution Service. Palestine Action became a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act back in July making it illegal to be a member of the group or a supporter. MPs voted in favour of the move after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton and sprayed two Voyager aircraft with red paint which caused £7m worth of damage.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store