Rise in level of kidnappings and abductions while overall crime level falls

New crime statistics show increases in the number of kidnappings and thefts increased amid calls for greater garda resources.

The figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicated falls across 11 crime categories, including big decreases in public order, negligent acts and fraud, in the year to the end of December 2013.

The figures were published just days after the CSO published a review of five years of crime statistics that indicated an increase in the level of kidnappings, robberies, burglaries, extortion and hijacking.