Gardaí: Level of reported crimes down 3% in 2003

The overall level of crime reported in Ireland last year fell by 3% compared with 2002, according to An Garda Síochána's latest annual report.

The report said the number of murders was down by 13%, while the number of sexual offences and assaults causing harm were down by 22%.

The Gardaí said the number of public order offences it dealth with in 2003 was 4% lower than the previous year, while the number of dangerous driving offences was down by 33% and drink-driving was down by 23%.

However, the figures highlighted a 1% increase in the number of reported burglaries.

Fine Gael TD Jim O'Keefe has dismissed the figures, saying they are distorted because two-fifths of all crime is never reported.