Murders and kidnappings on the rise, according to CSO crime stats

The number of murders has soared by a third in the 12 months to the end of June, while there was a similar increase in the rate of kidnappings.

The CSO figures for the second quarter highlighted a 33.3% increase in murder, from 45 to 60 recorded offences for the year to the June 30.

In the same period, recorded kidnappings and related offences rose by 30.7% to 132 while there was a 1.9% rise in robbery, extortion and hijacking offences — mostly due to an increase in “robbery from the person” or muggings.