Surge in calls to crime victim helpline

More than 6,000 people targeted by criminals were supported by volunteers last year.

The National Crime Victims Helpline revealed there was an 11% rise in the number of cases it dealt with in 2011 as people left feeling vulnerable or anxious came forward.

Maeve Ryan, co-ordinator, said more than 17% of calls related to physical assaults — particularly unprovoked assaults on the streets late at night.