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For more information on this release:
E-mail: crime@cso.ie Sam Scriven (+353) 21 453 5276 Tim Linehan (+353) 21 453 5264 Amelia Murray (+353) 21 453 5490
For general information on CSO statistics:
information@cso.ie (+353) 21 453 5000 On-line ISSN 2009-5171
CSO statistical release, , 11am

Recorded Crime

Quarter 4 2015

Recorded crime incidents classified by offence group and annualised total1 Q4 2014 and 2015
      
  Annualised total to Q4
ICCSq offence group20142015Change% Change
      
01Homicide offences8057-23-28.8
02Sexual offences2,0532,361+308+15.0
03Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences15,16416,948+1,784+11.8
04Dangerous or negligent acts7,2987,199-99-1.4
05Kidnapping and related offences124155+31+25.0
06Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences2,6472,584-63-2.4
07Burglary and related offences27,63526,246-1,389-5.0
08Theft and related offences77,69775,993-1,704-2.2
09Fraud, deception and related offences5,1815,600+419+8.1
10Controlled drug offences15,91515,128-787-4.9
11Weapons and explosives offences2,4792,365-114-4.6
12Damage to property and to the environment27,39426,066-1,328-4.8
13Public order and other social code offences32,63933,254+615+1.9
15Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime9,76611,070+1,304+13.4
1 The annualised figure for a given quarter is the total number of crimes recorded in the 12 months prior to end of that quarter.

Falls in Homicides and Burglaries, rises in Assaults, Kidnappings and Sexual Offences

Percentage change between annualised total to Q4, 2014 and 2015 for selected offence groups
go to full release

The decrease in Group 01 Homicides was driven by a 42.3% decrease in Murder from 52 in 2014 to 30 recorded offences in 2015. Group 07 Burglary and related offences fell by 5.0% over the same period.

Group 02 Sexual offences rose by 15.0% to 2,361 in 2015, while Group 03 Attempts or Threats to Murder, Assaults, Harassments and Related Offences rose by 11.8% to 16,948 recorded offences over the same period and Group 05 Kidnapping and related offences increased by 25% to 155. There was a rise of 8.1% in Group 09 Fraud, deception and related offences. See table 1 and figure 1. 

The CSO resumed the publication of recorded crime statistics in June 2015. This follows a comprehensive review of the accuracy of Garda Síochana crime data, on foot of the Garda Inspectorate report on Crime Investigation, published 11th November 2014. When interpreting the recorded crime statistics, the CSO advises that the findings of the review should be taken into account.

http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/crimejustice/2015/reviewofcrime.pdf

Group 01 Homicide Offences

In 2015, there were 32 recorded Murder and Manslaughter offences, a decrease of 23 on 2014. Dangerous driving leading to death offences remained static at 25 over the same period.

Group 02 Sexual Offences

In 2015, the number of offences recorded in this group rose to 2,361 (+15.0%). Rape of a male or female offences increased by 12.6% to 536 recorded offences, while Sexual assault (not aggravated) offences increased by 14.1% to 1,447 and Other sexual offences rose by 40.8% to 214.

Group 03 Attempts or Threats to Murder, Assaults, Harassments and Related Offences

Murder–threat offences increased by 42.2% to 593 in 2015, while Other Assault offences rose by 13.1% to 11,417. Assault causing harm, poisoning offences rose to 3,459 recorded offences, an increase of 9.5%, while the annualised total for recorded Harassment and related offences fell by 0.9%, from 1,480 to 1,467 over the same period. 

Group 04 Dangerous or Negligent Acts

Recorded Dangerous or negligent acts offences decreased by 1.4% to 7,199 in 2015.  As in previous periods, most recorded offences in this group related to Driving/In charge of a vehicle while over legal alcohol limit, which decreased  very slightly from 6,548 to 6,521 (-0.4%).

Group 05 Kidnapping and Related Offences

The annual total for Kidnapping and related offences rose by 25.0% to 155 in 2015.  False imprisonment offences rose by 75.5% to 93, while decreases were seen in Abduction of person under 16 years of age and Human trafficking offences.

Group 06 Robbery, Extortion and Hijacking Offences

In 2015, Group 06 Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences fell by 2.4% to 2,584 recorded offences.  However, Blackmail or extortion offences rose by 147.6% to 52 and Robbery of an establishment or institution rose by 9.8% over the same period.

Group 07 Burglary and Related Offences

There were 26,246 recorded Burglary and related offences in 2015, representing a decrease of 1,389 (-5.0%) when compared with 2014.  Aggravated burglary offences fell by 13.7% while recorded Burglary (not aggravated) offences decreased from 26,678 to 25,376.  Possession of an article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand) offences decreased by 6.9% to 598.

Group 08 Theft and Related Offences 

In 2015 Group 08 Theft and related offences fell by 2.2% to 75,993.  When considering the subgroups, recorded Theft from person offences decreased by 1.0% to 5,411, and Theft from shop rose 8.6% to 22,693. 

Group 09 Fraud, Deception and Related Offences

There were 5,600 recorded Fraud, deception and related offences for 2015.  This was an increase of 419 (+8.1%).

Group 10 Controlled Drug Offences

In 2015, there were 15,128 recorded Controlled drug offences, a decrease of 4.9% on 2014.  Most of these recorded offences were for Possession of drugs for personal use, which showed a decrease of 2.6% to 10,979.

Group 11 Weapons and Explosives Offences

There were 2,365 Group 11 Weapons and explosives offences in 2015, a decrease of 4.6% on 2014. Offensive weapons offences (nec) fell from 1,985 to 1,892 over the same period, a decrease of 4.7%. However, Discharging a firearm and Possession of a firearm offences rose by 12.7% and 3.5% in 2015.

Group 12 Damage to Property and to the Environment

Recorded Arson offences increased slightly to 1,735 (+0.7%) in 2015.  The vast majority of offences recorded in this group were for Criminal damage (not arson) which decreased by 5.0% to 24,158.

Group 13 Public Order and Other Social Code Offences

Recorded Public order and other social code offences rose by 1.9% to 33,254 in 2015.  This was driven by an increase of 176.4% to 3,610 for Other social code offences (nec), of which the majority relate to begging. The most frequently occurring offences in this group were under Disorderly conduct, which fell from 26,821 to 25,482 in this period.  This is equivalent to approximately 70 Disorderly conduct offences a day in this period.

Group 15 Offences against Government, Justice Procedures and Organisation of Crime

There were 11,070 Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime recorded in 2015, an increase of 13.4% when compared with 2014. This was driven by a 14.4% increase in Offences while in custody, breach of court orders, which rose from 9,388 to 10,736. Meanwhile, Offences against government and its agents (nec) fell by 15.5% to 272 over the same period.

Table 1 Recorded crime incidents classified by offence group and annualised total1 Q4 2014 and 2015
       
ICCSq offence groupAnnualised total to Q4
   20142015Change% Change
      
01Homicide offences8057-23-28.8
01a Murder5230-22-42.3
 01bManslaughter32-1-33.3
01cInfanticide0000.0
01d Dangerous driving leading to death252500.0
       
02Sexual offences2,0532,361+308+15.0
 02aRape of a male or female476536+60+12.6
 02bDefilement of a boy or girl less than 17 years old140132-8-5.7
 02cSexual offence involving mentally impaired person1222+10+83.3
 02dAggravated sexual assault510+5+100.0
 02e Sexual assault (not aggravated)1,2681,447+179+14.1
 02f Other sexual offences152214+62+40.8
       
03Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences15,16416,948+1,784+11.8
 03aMurder-attempt1512-3-20.0
 03bMurder-threat417593+176+42.2
 03c Assault causing harm, poisoning3,1603,459+299+9.5
 03d Other assault10,09211,417+1,325+13.1
 03e Harassment and related offences1,4801,467-13-0.9
       
04Dangerous or negligent acts7,2987,199-99-1.4
 04a Dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm1210-2-16.7
 04b Driving/In charge of a vehicle while over legal alcohol limit6,5486,521-27-0.4
 04c Driving/In charge of a vehicle under the influence of drugs265214-51-19.2
 04fEndangerment with potential for serious harm or death7298+26+36.1
 04gAbandoning a child, child neglect and cruelty247165-82-33.2
 04hUnseaworthy/dangerous use of boat or ship17+6+600.0
 04i False alarm/interference with aircraft or air transport facilities52-3-60.0
 04j Endangering traffic offences148182+34+23.0
       
05Kidnapping and related offences124155+31+25.0
 05aFalse imprisonment5393+40+75.5
 05b Abduction of person under 16 years of age4034-6-15.0
 05c Human trafficking offences3128-3-9.7
       
06Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences2,6472,584-63-2.4
 06a Robbery of an establishment or institution848931+83+9.8
06b Robbery of cash or goods in transit2618-8-30.8
 06c Robbery from the person1,6551,488-167-10.1
 06d Blackmail or extortion2152+31+147.6
 06e Carjacking, hijacking/unlawful seizure of aircraft/vessel9795-2-2.1
      
07Burglary and related offences27,63526,246-1,389-5.0
07a Aggravated burglary315272-43-13.7
07bBurglary (not aggravated)26,67825,376-1,302-4.9
 07cPossession of an article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand)642598-44-6.9
       
08Theft and related offences77,69775,993-1,704-2.2
08a Theft/Taking of vehicle and related offences7,7636,462-1,301-16.8
08b Theft from person5,4665,411-55-1.0
08c Theft from shop20,89722,693+1,796+8.6
08d Other thefts, handling stolen property43,57141,427-2,144-4.9
    
09Fraud, deception and related offences5,1815,600+419+8.1
09aFraud, deception and related offences5,1815,600+419+8.1
    
10Controlled drug offences15,91515,128-787-4.9
 10a Importation of drugs2920-9-31.0
10bCultivation or manufacture of drugs346244-102-29.5
 10c Possession of drugs for sale or supply3,5863,393-193-5.4
 10d Possession of drugs for personal use11,27310,979-294-2.6
10e Other drug offences681492-189-27.8
      
11Weapons and explosives offences2,4792,365-114-4.6
11aExplosives, chemical weapons offences4931-18-36.7
11bDischarging a firearm134151+17+12.7
11cPossession of a firearm198205+7+3.5
11dOffensive weapons offences (nec)1,9851,892-93-4.7
11e Fireworks offences11386-27-23.9
    
12Damage to property and to the environment27,39426,066-1,328-4.8
 12aArson1,7231,735+12+0.7
 12bCriminal damage (not arson)25,42324,158-1,265-5.0
12c Litter offences248173-75-30.2
      
13Public order and other social code offences32,63933,254+615+1.9
13a Disorderly conduct26,82125,482-1,339-5.0
 13b Trespass offences2,8202,751-69-2.4
 13c Liquor licensing offences1,2721,071-201-15.8
 13d Prostitution offences12956-73-56.6
 13e Regulated betting or money, collection or trading offences291284-7-2.4
 13fOther social code offences (nec)1,3063,610+2,304+176.4
       
15Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime9,76611,070+1,304+13.4
 15aOffences against government and its agents (nec)322272-50-15.5
 15bOrganisation of crime and conspiracy to commit crime510+5+100.0
 15c Perverting the course of justice5152+1+2.0
 15d Offences while in custody, breach of court orders9,38810,736+1,348+14.4
1 The annualised figure for a given quarter is the total number of crimes recorded in the 12 months prior to end of that quarter.
Table 2.1 Recorded crime incidents classified by offence group, Q1 2012 to Q4 2013
              
ICCSq offence group2012 2013
Q1Q2Q3Q4Total Q1Q2Q3Q4Total
   
01Homicide offences2617221479 1824271483
 01a Murder191015953 1011181352
 01b Manslaughter31127 01113
 01cInfanticide00000 00000
 01d Dangerous driving leading to death466319 8128028
              
02Sexual offences6455244724752,116 5855284704272,010
 02a Rape of a male or female155126111127519 14910510493451
 02b Defilement of a boy or girl less than 17 years old49302830137 2921271693
 02cSexual offence involving mentally impaired person12111125 413210
 02d Aggravated sexual assault23207 114410
 02e Sexual assault (not aggravated)3883182912921,289 3633673022881,320
 02f Other sexual offences39363925139 39333024126
              
03Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences4,0693,9153,9643,76215,710 3,5213,6423,7463,59314,502
 03aMurder-attempt51107 424313
 03bMurder-threat91536860272 778710375342
 03c Assault causing harm, poisoning8397878547513,231 7727627857703,089
 03dOther assault2,6082,5692,6102,54810,335 2,2732,4042,4802,3989,555
 03e Harassment and related offences5265054314031,865 3953873743471,503
              
04Dangerous or negligent acts2,3732,3502,1712,1579,051 1,8771,9811,9081,8947,660
 04a Dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm22105 524112
 04b Driving/In charge of a vehicle while over legal alcohol limit2,1452,1451,9861,9788,254 1,6691,7801,7291,7376,915
 04c Driving/In charge of a vehicle under the influence of drugs84796463290 60826366271
 04f Endangerment with potential for serious harm/death1917131867 1613241568
 04g Abandoning a child, child neglect and cruelty74545941228 80584146225
 04hUnseaworthy/dangerous use of boat or ship01214 01102
 04i False alarm/interference with aircraft or air transport facilities23308 21014
 04jEndangering traffic offences47494356195 45444628163
              
05Kidnapping and related offences22302227101 33194032124
 05a False imprisonment1120162067 2512261881
 05b Abduction of person under 16 years of age654318 4581027
 05c Human trafficking offences552416 426416
              
06Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences7896486617192,817 7736225978142,806
 06aRobbery of an establishment or institution3392302102371,016 299220178292989
 06b Robbery of cash or goods in transit171651149 711111039
 06cRobbery from the person4013714174251,614 4413753844871,687
 06d Blackmail or extortion61161740 749525
 06eCarjacking, hijacking/unlawful seizure of aircraft/vessel2620232998 1912152066
              
07Burglary and related offences8,0636,0836,7447,24328,133 6,6195,8636,3637,37326,218
 07aAggravated burglary76518076283 66728475297
 07b Burglary (not aggravated)7,8175,8206,5076,95427,098 6,3905,6196,1057,12725,241
 07cPossession of an article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand)170212157213752 163172174171680
              
08Theft and related offences18,89219,18319,19619,13176,402 18,68819,88220,78619,38178,737
 08aTheft/Taking of vehicle and related offences2,2652,0512,1331,9998,448 2,0361,8261,7121,7947,368
 08bTheft from person1,0611,1701,3291,4765,036 1,4321,4711,7161,8996,518
 08c Theft from shop4,6394,9474,8625,13619,584 4,8095,3355,4015,03220,577
 08d Other thefts, handling stolen property10,92711,01510,87210,52043,334 10,41111,25011,95710,65644,274
             
09Fraud, deception and related offences1,7161,3661,4281,2805,790 1,1841,2391,1561,2454,824
 09aFraud, deception and related offences1,7161,3661,4281,2805,790 1,1841,2391,1561,2454,824
             
10Controlled drug offences4,2844,3654,0643,73716,450 3,3404,2514,3913,39015,372
 10aImportation of drugs8126430 15713944
 10b Cultivation or manufacture of drugs108139147123517 7111711983390
 10c Possession of drugs for sale or supply1,0028907928193,503 8158797827853,261
 10dPossession of drugs for personal use3,0203,1692,9672,66511,821 2,3363,0873,3502,41511,188
 10eOther drug offences146155152126579 10316112798489
              
11Weapons and explosives offences7577416928483,038 6237016837432,750
 11a Explosives, chemical weapons offences1728182790 2014131259
 11b Discharging a firearm38383038144 39343850161
 11c Possession of a firearm67546662249 54574342196
 11dOffensive weapons offences (nec)6276135365262,302 5025945685242,188
 11e Fireworks offences8842195253 8221115146
             
12Damage to property and to the environment8,6857,9037,8877,95332,428 7,3587,3396,9217,29528,913
 12a Arson5165685425292,155 4174855345121,948
 12b Criminal damage (not arson)8,0907,2567,2697,37629,991 6,8946,8026,3276,72726,750
 12cLitter offences79797648282 47526056215
            
13Public order and other social code offences11,03211,03811,43810,35343,861 8,5989,1829,8548,81936,453
 13aDisorderly conduct9,4129,3289,7898,83037,359 7,3147,8448,2547,44230,854
 13bTrespass offences8429308736903,335 6827298407002,951
 13c Liquor licensing offences4984875004331,918 3413314003021,374
 13d Prostitution offences41463130148 26293035120
 13e Regulated betting/money collection/trading offences58797879294 479010287326
 13f Other social code offences (nec)181168167291807 188159228253828
              
15Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime2,6902,4222,1972,1369,445 2,2202,3762,3082,2839,187
 15a Offences against government and its agents (nec)75576092284 67786469278
 15b Organisation of crime and conspiracy to commit crime04206 12104
 15c Perverting the course of justice37163315101 2015151363
 15d Offences while in custody, breach of court orders2,5782,3452,1022,0299,054 2,1322,2812,2282,2018,842
Table 2.2 Recorded crime incidents classified by offence group, Q1 2014 to Q4 2015
   
ICCSq offence group2014 2015
Q1Q2Q3Q4Total Q1Q2Q3Q4Total
              
01Homicide offences3220181080 122115957
 01a Murder20915852 5107830
 01b Manslaughter30003 01102
 01cInfanticide00000 00000
 01d Dangerous driving leading to death9113225 7107125
              
02Sexual offences5675424474972,053 6425795865542,361
 02a Rape of a male or female112139111114476 141136130129536
 02b Defilement of a boy or girl less than 17 years old57332723140 42323523132
 02cSexual offence involving mentally impaired person322512 861722
 02d Aggravated sexual assault11215 432110
 02e Sexual assault (not aggravated)3223332833301,268 4103483553341,447
 02f Other sexual offences72342224152 37546360214
              
03Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences3,4083,8073,8524,09715,164 3,9984,2154,4424,29316,948
 03aMurder-attempt444315 612312
 03bMurder-threat819396147417 151149142151593
 03c Assault causing harm, poisoning7058237938393,160 8058599008953,459
 03dOther assault2,2472,5172,6152,71310,092 2,5702,8743,0612,91211,417
 03e Harassment and related offences3713703443951,480 4663323373321,467
              
04Dangerous or negligent acts1,8471,8391,8391,7737,298 1,7281,8111,8271,8337,199
 04a Dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm551112 341210
 04b Driving/In charge of a vehicle while over legal alcohol limit1,6191,6591,6721,5986,548 1,5421,6281,6621,6896,521
 04c Driving/In charge of a vehicle under the influence of drugs63775570265 67604443214
 04f Endangerment with potential for serious harm/death1512232272 2631261598
 04g Abandoning a child, child neglect and cruelty109504246247 60314133165
 04hUnseaworthy/dangerous use of boat or ship00101 04307
 04i False alarm/interference with aircraft or air transport facilities21205 10012
 04jEndangering traffic offences34354336148 29535050182
              
05Kidnapping and related offences35312929124 42373343155
 05a False imprisonment149141653 2224182993
 05b Abduction of person under 16 years of age111112640 9109634
 05c Human trafficking offences10113731 1136828
              
06Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences7596605776512,647 7196295546822,584
 06aRobbery of an establishment or institution282180158228848 287205175264931
 06b Robbery of cash or goods in transit759526 1032318
 06cRobbery from the person4464343903851,655 3763723513891,488
 06d Blackmail or extortion683421 112012952
 06eCarjacking, hijacking/unlawful seizure of aircraft/vessel1833172997 3529141795
             
07Burglary and related offences6,8805,9766,5188,26127,635 7,8876,1786,0846,09726,246
 07aAggravated burglary896165100315 97535864272
 07b Burglary (not aggravated)6,6585,7336,2957,99226,678 7,6415,9765,8865,87325,376
 07cPossession of an article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand)133182158169642 149149140160598
              
08Theft and related offences17,83519,51920,16120,18277,697 18,98419,63019,03018,34975,993
 08aTheft/Taking of vehicle and related offences1,9501,9372,0151,8617,763 1,8021,7141,5651,3816,462
 08bTheft from person1,4121,4571,2011,3965,466 1,2191,1911,3401,6615,411
 08c Theft from shop4,4635,3305,3725,73220,897 5,5335,8545,5485,75822,693
 08d Other thefts, handling stolen property10,01010,79511,57311,19343,571 10,43010,87110,5779,54941,427
             
09Fraud, deception and related offences1,4191,2201,2551,2875,181 1,5271,3921,3301,3515,600
 09aFraud, deception and related offences1,4191,2201,2551,2875,181 1,5271,3921,3301,3515,600
             
10Controlled drug offences3,6584,2314,4873,53915,915 3,3024,1804,1343,51215,128
 10aImportation of drugs1285429 746320
 10b Cultivation or manufacture of drugs689610181346 49656763244
 10c Possession of drugs for sale or supply9219138938593,586 7689518618133,393
 10dPossession of drugs for personal use2,4703,0303,3142,45911,273 2,3823,0173,0632,51710,979
 10eOther drug offences187184174136681 96143137116492
              
11Weapons and explosives offences5595876866472,479 5745935846142,365
 11a Explosives, chemical weapons offences912151349 9651131
 11b Discharging a firearm23383736134 39343642151
 11c Possession of a firearm44486244198 53594449205
 11dOffensive weapons offences (nec)4804875594591,985 4694914864461,892
 11e Fireworks offences321395113 43136686
             
12Damage to property and to the environment6,7736,8046,6057,21227,394 6,6936,5986,4256,35026,066
 12a Arson3684624784151,723 4014404474471,735
 12b Criminal damage (not arson)6,3416,2706,0786,73425,423 6,2206,1145,9475,87724,158
 12cLitter offences64724963248 72443126173
            
13Public order and other social code offences7,5618,2398,7478,09232,639 7,6118,4808,6368,52733,254
 13aDisorderly conduct6,3456,9107,1096,45726,821 6,0866,4496,6706,27725,482
 13bTrespass offences6447197746832,820 6597707166062,751
 13c Liquor licensing offences3172833423301,272 2232732902851,071
 13d Prostitution offences26374224129 919181056
 13e Regulated betting/money collection/trading offences62827077291 49798670284
 13f Other social code offences (nec)1672084105211,306 5858908561,2793,610
              
15Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime2,4162,4692,4372,4449,766 2,6002,9342,7462,79011,070
 15a Offences against government and its agents (nec)78896095322 69866750272
 15b Organisation of crime and conspiracy to commit crime30115 411410
 15c Perverting the course of justice102091251 181671152
 15d Offences while in custody, breach of court orders2,3252,3602,3672,3369,388 2,5092,8312,6712,72510,736
              
Table 3 Recorded crime incidents classified by offence group and annualised total1 Q4, 2011 to 2015
       
  Annualised total to Q4
ICCSq offence group20112012201320142015
       
01Homicide offences6679838057
02Sexual offences2,0142,1162,0102,0532,361
03Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences17,06215,71014,50215,16416,948
04Dangerous or negligent acts9,9469,0517,6607,2987,199
05Kidnapping and related offences109101124124155
06Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences2,9312,8172,8062,6472,584
07Burglary and related offences27,69528,13326,21827,63526,246
08Theft and related offences76,97476,40278,73777,69775,993
09Fraud, deception and related offences5,3705,7904,8245,1815,600
10Controlled drug offences17,69516,45015,37215,91515,128
11Weapons and explosives offences3,4833,0382,7502,4792,365
12Damage to property and to the environment35,57332,42828,91327,39426,066
13Public order and other social code offences49,06043,86136,45332,63933,254
15Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime10,1739,4459,1879,76611,070
1 The annualised figure for a given quarter is the total number of crimes recorded in the 12 months prior to end of that quarter.
Table 4 Recorded crime incidents classified by offence group, Garda region and annualised total1 Q4, 2014 and 2015
         
Garda region 
ICCSq offence groupNorthern Western SouthernEastern South Eastern Dublin MetropolitanState
         
Annualised total to Q4 2015 
01Homicide offences84121141857
02Sexual offences2592714253432847792,361
03Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences2,0851,9363,1652,4982,0115,25316,948
04Dangerous or negligent acts9551,0101,5421,1169861,5907,199
05Kidnapping and related offences171719181371155
06Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences14585235231981,7902,584
07Burglary and related offences2,1431,9572,9964,4623,09511,59326,246
08Theft and related Offences5,0715,08810,49610,0956,57438,66975,993
09Fraud, deception and related offences5156009016655162,4035,600
10Controlled drug offences8451,2442,7542,1621,5306,59315,128
11Weapons and explosives offences1941773463172151,1162,365
12Damage to property and to the environment2,8192,0954,3003,4482,83510,56926,066
13Public order and other social code offences3,3253,8087,3533,2233,73711,80833,254
15Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime6987882,2151,1157505,50411,070
         
Annualised total to Q4 2014       
01Homicide offences7891483480
02Sexual offences2172133343472796632,053
03Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences2,0591,8022,8562,2231,6914,53315,164
04Dangerous or negligent acts9501,0471,4791,0431,0461,7337,298
05Kidnapping and related offences15191691154124
06Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences103902242121281,8902,647
07Burglary and related offences2,2002,0902,7704,9673,40012,20827,635
08Theft and related Offences5,0414,76011,02410,8946,76639,21277,697
09Fraud, deception and related offences4175677236983702,4065,181
10Controlled drug offences8771,3302,7562,1271,6677,15815,915
11Weapons and explosives offences2311754352782291,1312,479
12Damage to property and to the environment2,7602,1524,4283,9552,70011,39927,394
13Public order and other social code offences3,5793,9547,7213,7274,1069,55232,639
15Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime5496811,8781,0046235,0319,766
  
Annualised total change to Q4 2015       
01Homicide offences+1-4+3-3-4-16-23
02Sexual offences+42+58+91-4+5+116+308
03Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences+26+134+309+275+320+720+1784
04Dangerous or negligent acts+5-37+63+73-60-143-99
05Kidnapping and related offences+2-2+3+9+2+17+31
06Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences+42-5+11+19-30-100-63
07Burglary and related offences-57-133+226-505-305-615-1389
08Theft and related Offences+30+328-528-799-192-543-1704
09Fraud, deception and related offences+98+33+178-33+146-3+419
10Controlled drug offences-32-86-2+35-137-565-787
11Weapons and explosives offences-37+2-89+39-14-15-114
12Damage to property and to the environment+59-57-128-507+135-830-1328
13Public order and other social code offences-254-146-368-504-369+2256+615
15Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime+149+107+337+111+127+473+1304
1 The annualised figure for a given quarter is the total number of crimes recorded in the 12 months prior to end of that quarter.

Background Notes

Introduction

The Crime Incidents, Quarter 4, 2015 release provides provisional figures for the number of offences recorded by An Garda Síochána, based on the Irish Crime Classification System (ICCS) but excluding elements of Group 4  (Dangerous or Negligent Acts), and all of Groups 14 (Road and Traffic Offences (Not Elsewhere Classified or nec))  and 16 (Offences Not Elsewhere Classified). Figures are provided from Quarter 4, 2011 to Quarter 4, 2015. The information supplied in this report refers only to crime incidents known to An Garda Síochána and recorded as such in the Garda PULSE (Police Using Leading Systems Effectively) system.  Because of timing issues with respect to the extraction of data, figures may be revised subsequent to this publication. 

Crime recording

Incidents reported or which become known to members of An Garda Síochána are recorded when, on the balance of probability, a Garda determines that a criminal offence defined by law has taken place, and there is no credible evidence to the contrary. If it is subsequently determined that a criminal offence did not take place, the criminal offence recorded is invalidated and is not counted in the statistics. If a person makes a report and subsequently withdraws it by stating that the criminal act did not take place, then this too is invalidated unless there is evidence to suggest that, by reasonable probability, the offence has taken place.

For criminal offences where victim confirmation is required (e.g. assault, fraud), a criminal offence is recorded only where the victim confirms the offence or where there is evidence to suggest that by reasonable probability it occurred. Another important feature of a recorded offence is that it is based on the date reported to, or that it became known to, the Gardaí. This has major implications for some offence types. Notable amongst these are sexual offences, as it has often been the case that such incidents have been reported to An Garda Síochána many years (sometimes decades) after the event(s). Thus a sexual assault, which occurred in 1960, would be included in the statistics for 2008 if it was first reported in that year. 

Crime Classification

A criminal offence is classified as a particular offence type at the initial recording of that offence. However, upon investigation, it may later become apparent that an alternative offence type should be used. In this event, the record is amended to reflect this. Re-classification on the basis of court proceedings only occurs in relation to homicide offences. A murder offence is reclassified as manslaughter when a charge of manslaughter commences or when a murder charge results in a conviction for manslaughter. It is also possible, though more rare, that an incident originally classified as manslaughter may be re-classified as murder. Also, a re-classification to a homicide offence occurs when, for example, a serious assault has been recorded and, some time later, the victim dies as a consequence of the assault. 

General Counting Rules

Crime counting rules are applied to all criminal offences for the purposes of the statistics. The following are the main rules relevant to the quarterly figures: 

Primary Offence Rule: Where two or more criminal offences are disclosed in a single episode, it is the primary criminal offence that is counted. The primary offence is that offence which the greater penalty may apply. Where offences have similar penalties, offences against the person take precedence over offences against property for the purpose of determining the primary offence. 

One Offence Counts Per Victim: One offence counts per victim involved with the exceptions of cheque/credit card fraud and burglary. Under certain circumstances, the cheque/credit card exception necessitates that a series of these offences counts as one crime where the originating bank ultimately suffers the loss. The burglary exception dictates that one burglary offence is counted where property belonging to two or more victims is stolen (or damaged) during a single burglary. 

Continuous Series Involving the Same Victim and Same Offender: A continuous series of offences against the same victim involving the same offender counts as one offence. 

ICCSq Offence Groups

 

01 Homicide offences 01a  Murder    Murder
  01b  Manslaughter Manslaughter
  01c  Infanticide Infanticide
  01d  Dangerous driving leading to death Manslaughter (traffic fatality)
    Dangerous driving causing death
     
02 Sexual offences 02a  Rape of a male or female Rape of a male or female
    Rape Section 4 
 

02b Defilement of a boy or girl less than 17 years old

Unlawful carnal Knowledge/Criminal law (Sexual Offences Act) 2006
  02c  Sexual offence involving mentally impaired person Sexual offence involving mentally  impaired person
  02d  Aggravated sexual assault Aggravated sexual assault
  02e  Sexual assault (not aggravated) Sexual assault
  02f  Other sexual offences Incest
    Child pornography offences
    Child pornography – obstruction of warrant
    Gross indecency
     

03 Attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences

03a  Murder-attempt Murder-attempt
  03b  Murder-threat Murder-threat
  03c  Assault causing harm, poisoning Assault causing harm
    Poisoning
  03d  Other assault Assault or obstruction of Garda/official, resisting arrest
    Minor assault
  03e  Harassment and related offences Coercion
    Harassment, stalking, threats
    Demanding payment of debt causing alarm
    Housing Act
    Menacing phone calls
    Incitement to hatred offences
     
04 Dangerous or negligent acts 04a  Dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm Dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm
  04b  Driving/In charge of a vehicle while over legal alcohol limit Driving/In charge of a vehicle while over  legal alcohol limit
  04c  Driving/In charge of a vehicle under the influence of drugs Driving/In charge of a vehicle under the influence of drugs
  04f  Endangerment with potential for serious harm or death Endangerment with potential for serious harm or death
  04g  Abandoning a child, child neglect and cruelty Abandoning a child, child neglect and cruelty
  04h  Unseaworthy/dangerous use of boat or ship Unseaworthy/dangerous use of boat or ship
  04i  False alarm/interference with aircraft or air transport facilities False alarm/interference with aircraft or air transport facilities
  04j  Endangering traffic offences Endangering traffic offences
     
05 Kidnapping and related offences  05a  False imprisonment False imprisonment 
  05b  Abduction of person under 16 years of age Abduction of person under 16 years of age
  05c  Human trafficking offences Human trafficking offences
     
06 Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences 06a  Robbery of an establishment or institution Robbery of an establishment or institution
  06b  Robbery of cash or goods in transit Robbery of cash or goods in transit
  06c  Robbery from the person Robbery from the person
  06d  Blackmail or extortion Blackmail or extortion
  06e  Carjacking, hijacking/unlawful seizure of aircraft/vessel Carjacking, hijacking/unlawful seizure of aircraft/vessel
     
07 Burglary and related offences 07a  Aggravated burglary Aggravated burglary
  07b  Burglary (not aggravated) Burglary (not aggravated)
  07c  Possession of an article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand) Possession of an article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand)
     
08 Theft and related offences 08a  Theft/Taking of vehicle and related offences Theft/Unauthorised taking of vehicle
    Interfering with vehicle (with intent to steal item or vehicle)
  08b  Theft from person Theft from person
  08c  Theft from shop Theft from shop 
  08d  Other thefts, handling stolen property  Theft from vehicle
    Theft/Unauthorised taking of a pedal cycle
   

Theft of, or interference with, mail Handling or possession of stolen property

Theft of other property

     
09 Fraud, deception and related offences 09a  Fraud, deception and related offences Fraud, deception, false pretence offences
    Forging an instrument to defraud
    Possession of an article for use in fraud, deception or extortion
    Falsification of accounts
    Offences under the Companies Act
    Offences under the Investment Intermediaries Act
    Offences under the Stock Exchange Act
    Money laundering
    Embezzlement
    Fraud against the European Union
    Importation/Sale/Supply of tobacco
    Counterfeiting notes and coins
    Counterfeiting of goods
    Bad debts criminal (Debtors Ireland)
    Corruption (involving public office holder)
     
10 Controlled drug offences  10a  Importation of drugs Importation of drugs
  10b  Cultivation or manufacture of drugs  Cultivation or manufacture of drugs
  10c  Possession of drugs for sale or supply Possession of drugs for sale or supply 
  10d  Possession of drugs for personal use Possession of drugs for personal use
  10e  Other drug offences Forged or altered prescription offences obstruction under the Drugs Act
     
11 Weapons and explosives offences 11a  Explosives, chemical weapons offences Causing an explosion
    Making of explosives
    Possession of explosives 
    Chemical weapons offences 
  11b  Discharging a firearm Discharging a firearm
  11c  Possession of a firearm Possession of a firearm
  11d  Offensive weapons offences (nec) Possession of offensive weapons (not firearms)
  11e  Fireworks offences Fireworks offences (for sale, igniting etc.)
     
12 Damage to property and to the environment 12a  Arson Arson
  12b  Criminal damage (not arson) Criminal damage (not arson) 
  12c  Litter offences  Litter offences 
     
13 Public order and other social code offences 13a  Disorderly conduct Affray/Riot/Violent disorder
    Public order offences 
    Drunkenness offences
    Air rage-disruptive or drunken behaviour on aircraft
  13b Trespass offences

Forcible entry and occupation (not burglary)

    Trespass on lands or enclosed areas
  13c  Liquor licensing offences Liquor licensing offences
    Registered clubs offences
    Special restaurant offences
    Provision of intoxicating liquor to under 18 year olds
    Purchase or consumption of alcohol by under 18 year olds
    Sale of intoxicating liquor to under 18 year olds
     
  13d Prostitution offences Brothel keeping
    Organisation of prostitution
    Prostitution, including soliciting etc.
  13e  Regulated betting or money, collection or trading offences Offences under the Betting Acts
    Collecting money without permit, unauthorised collection
    Offences under Gaming and Lotteries Acts
    Permit/License offences for casual/street trading
  13f  Other social code offences (nec) Allowing a child (under 16 years) to beg
    Bigamy
    Bestiality
    Indecency
   

Begging

     
15 Offences against Government, justice procedures and organisation of crime 15a  Offences against government and its agents (nec) Treason
    Breaches of Offences Against the State
    Acts
    Breaches of Official Secrets Act
    Impersonating member of An Garda
    Síochána
    Electoral offences including personation
    Public mischief-annoying phone calls,
    wasting police time
    Criminal Assets Bureau offences
    Non compliance with Garda direction
     
  15b  Organisation of crime and conspiracy to commit crime Criminal organisation offences
    (organised crime)
    Conspiracy to commit a crime
  15c  Perverting the course of justice Perjury
    Interfering with a jury (embracery)
    Assisting offenders
    Public mischief, pervert course of justice, conceal offence
  15d  Offences while in custody, breach of court orders Escape or help to escape from custody
    Prison offences
    Breach of Domestic Violence Order (protection, safety, barring)
    Breach of order under Family Law Act
    Breach of bail
    Failure to comply under Sex Offenders
    Act
    Other failure to comply with court order jury summons, warrant etc.

 

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