Island sees 11% rise in crime

Crime on the Isle of Man increased by 11% over the last year.

In the 12 months up to the end of March this year, 2176 crimes were recorded, compared with 1968 during the 2015-16 period.

The figures are part of the Chief Constable's Annual Report, which Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey will ask Tynwald to receive at this month's sitting.

Cases of assault, theft and drug offences were up, while domestic assault an deception were down.

The west of the Island has the lowest crime rate, with just 211 offences recorded there, while the central area saw over half of all crimes reported last year.

The report also highlights some of the challenges facing the Island's police, including budgetary restrictions, staff recruitment and retention and a creaking IT infrastructure.