Irish less likely to be a victim of crime than a decade ago

RISING crime figures are being outpaced by the increase in population, according to Department of Justice figures.

Despite the latest 8% increase in serious crimes, which include murder and drugs offences, the average resident is less likely to become a victim of crime than they were 10 years ago.

In 1995, when the population stood at 3.6 million, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 people, compared to a current rate of 25 crimes per 1,000 people now that the population has exceeded 4.1m.