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Belfast Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
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'.
Belfast Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI reports 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'.
Belfast Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Heavy police presence as anti-racism and far-right gather for counter-protests at Belfast city hall
At one side of Belfast City Hall stood the 'Belfast Stands Against Racism rally' organised by United Against Racism Belfast which was endorsed by 137 organisations across Belfast and beyond. In a post on social media ahead of the rally, they said: "This coalition of trade unions, tenant unions, poilitical parties and community groups and activists reject the hate and division whipped up by the far-right." "Join us at City Hall and say no to racism and no to fascism.' They held banners reading 'No Hate No Fear Refugees Welcome Here' and 'Belfast stands against racism'. On the other side of the Belfast City Hall gates saw an anti-immigration rally with banners reading 'Belfast Says No' and 'We need to protect our children'. The PSNI was present during the rallies.
