Robbery, burglary and theft are still the country’s most common crimes, figures have confirmed.

Telephone calls and other contacts made with the National Crime Victims Helpline rose 12% last year.

Last year saw an 11% increase in the number of people contacting the Crime Victims Helpline.

BURGLARIES have increased by 4% within the last year, with an average of €1,870 stolen from each home burgled.

THE number of crime victims seeking support jumped by a fifth last year, taking the total to almost 3,000, a report reveals.

There has been a 20% increase in contacts to the Crime Victims Helpline, according to its annual report being launched today.

VICTIM support groups are on a daily basis dealing with the trauma caused by a hike in house break-ins.

A DISTURBING rise in unprovoked assaults is driving an increase in calls to a national crime victims’ phoneline.

A CRIME victims’ group has expressed alarm at a 50% hike in robberies against people last year.

The National Crime Victims Helpline is reminding people that it is open over the festive season.

Surging unemployment will inevitably lead to an increase in crime, it was warned today.

FATAL and non-fatal attacks cost the State more than €4.4m in compensation pay-outs last year, according to figures from the Department of Justice.

The Crime Victims Helpline is reminding the public that its lines are open over the entire Christmas period.

RESIDENTIAL burglaries have jumped by a third, with an estimated €100 million worth of goods stolen from homes in the past year.

The first element in fighting crime is to recognise the crimes that have taken place. To do this it is critical that people report crimes and not make the mistake of assuming that this would be more trouble than it is worth because nothing would happen.

Fine Gael called today for Government support to ensure a bill enshrining in law the rights of victims of crime can be passed.

A helpline for crime victims has extended its service because of a huge jump in calls, its operators said today.

People who have been victims of crime over the past year are being reminded that it is never too late to seek help.

THE multiple victims of every crime were highlighted perfectly by the highly publicised O’Reilly murder trial, victim support campaigners suggested yesterday.

A new helpline was launched today to provide a single point of contact for victims whose lives are shattered by crime or who are forgotten by the criminal justice system.