HOME burglaries have increased in the Isle of Man by 42 per cent.
There were 35 from April to September 2009, but 50 from April to September this year, the latest six monthly crime statistics released by the Department of Home Affairs show.
And while total recorded crime reduced by a further two per cent compared with the same period last year - a drop of 10 per cent on the three year average - statistics for some crimes increased and others fell.
In addition to home burglaries going up, thefts increased by 10 per cent (404 to 436) and public order offences also increased 10 per cent (from 165 to 182).
Recorded crimes were down 2.1 per cent - from 1,619 recorded crimes in April to September 2009 to 1,585 in April to September this year.
There were a number of other positive statistics.
*Criminal damage was down 13 per cent (541 to 470)
*Burglaries at buildings other than homes were down 11 per cent (43 to 38)
*Non domestic assaults were down 8 per cent (172 to 158)
*Domestic assaults were down 7.5 per cent (53 to 49)
*Drugs offences were down 13 per cent (116 to 100)
*Road traffic collisions down by nearly 7 per cent (508 to 473)
The figures also show the detection rate remains above 50 per cent.
Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK 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."
He 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."
The Chief Constable's report for 2009/10 showed the Island crime rate hit a 29 year low last year, equivalent to levels experienced in 1981.
