Sharp leap in crime in the Lurgan area

In September there were 275 incidents of crime while in October it shot up to 401 incidents.

Anti-social behaviour topped the list with 159 incidents reported in October compared to 104 in September. Burglaries almost tripled with 13 in September and 34 in October.

Violent and sexual offences are also high with 81 incidents reported in September and 87 in October. Plus there is a hike in criminal damage and arson with 37 recorded in September rising to 48 in October. Drugs related crime is on the rise. Vehicle crime was also up. Although incidents of robbery and shoplifting were low.

Chief Inspector Davy Beck said any rise in crime is ‘concerning’ adding that crime fluctuates on a monthly basis.

He said overall crime in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District has decreased by 2.3% this year (from 5,947 incidents during April to October 2014 to 5811 incidents from April to October 2015). During the same time period burglary has decreased by 15.1% and antisocial behaviour dropped by 9.8%. He added that anti-social behaviour incidents generally rise in October with Halloween related ASB and resources are dedicated accordingly. “If we look at the longer term ASB figures we can see that ASB incidents in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District have decreased from 3,894 incidents between April and October 2014 to 3,511 incidents in the same period this year.

“Burglary figures are more difficult to predict,” he said, adding that statistics show burglaries in the District down from 578 incidents between April and October 2014 to 491 incidents this year.