Serious crime at lowest level in 20 years

Crime figures released by the gardai today have shown that serious crime is now at its lowest level in 20 years, despite increases in murders, unlawful killings, assaults and domestic violence.

The figures for the year 2000 show that reported serious crimes fell by 10% overall on the previous year.

Detection rates remained at around 42%, but in the areas of homicides, assaults and sexual offences this figure rose to around 75%.