Drop in sex offences and murders

SEXUAL offences, serious assaults and murders have dropped dramatically in the first three months of this year, new figures show.

However, one category of sex offences, unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor, increased by over 100%. Official garda figures published yesterday show murders, firearms and drug offences are down, but theft and robbery of cash in transit are up.

Overall, serious crime, referred to as headline offences, is down 9% on the same period last year.