Crime levels are continuing to fall on the Isle of Man according to statistics for the first six months of the year. Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK today revealed total recorded crime on the Island reduced by a further 2% between April and September compared with the same period last year, a drop of 10% on the three year average. This further reduction follows the Chief Constable’s Annual Report for 2009-2010 that showed the Isle of Man crime rate last year hit a 29 year low, equivalent to levels experienced in 1981. Six monthly crime statistics from Isle of Man Constabulary show: Recorded crimes down 2.1% from 1,619 recorded crimes between April and September in 2009 to 1,585 during the first six months of this year Criminal damage down 13% from 541 to 470 Burglaries (other than domestic dwellings) down 11% from 43 to 38 Non domestic assaults down 8% (172 to 158) Domestic assaults down 7.5% (53 to 49) Drugs offences down 13% (116 to 100) Road traffic collisions down by nearly 7% (508 to 473) However, the number of dwellings burgled during the period went up from 35 to 50 recorded offences (42%), thefts increased by 10% to total 436 (404) and public order offences also increased 10% from 165 to 182. Minister Earnshaw said: ‘The statistics highlight an increase in public order offences that shows the Constabulary’s strategy of early intervention is working. Their actions prevent situations escalating and resulting in more serious public order offences and assaults. ‘I am also assured that following a blip in domestic burglaries earlier in the year, police activity has seen these reduce in recent weeks. Analysis of the offences, standard investigation techniques, increased foot patrols and other measures are in place to prevent further offences. However, people taking basic precautions of locking their properties and vehicles at night and when unoccupied will help protect them from becoming victims of crime.’ The statistics also show the detection rate remains above 50%. Minister Earnshaw added: ‘The Isle of Man remains a safe place and both the Department of Home Affairs and the Isle of Man Constabulary are working hard to ensure we maintain our quality of life. Monitoring crime statistics is one way of ensuring our resources are targeted effectively. ‘I congratulate the Constabulary on achieving further overall reductions in crime. The Island’s style of neighbourhood policing continues to deliver great protection for our community and the result is crime levels that will be the envy of other jurisdictions. The figures are even more impressive when compared against 20 years ago because of the more robust reporting standards in place today.’ Ends