Murders and sex offences up while burglaries and thefts fall

There has been a 14% rise in murders in the last year —fuelled by the Kinahan-Hutch feud and the murder by Alan Hawe of his wife and three children in Cavan.

The murderous campaign by the Kinahan cartel also contributed to a 50% hike in attempted murders.

Figures published by the Central Statistics Office also show a significant increase in reported sexual offences, including rape of an adult and defilement of a minor.