§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the detection rates for robbery and burglary in Northern Ireland over the past five years; and what proposals he has to improve it. [34364]
§ Sir John WheelerThe proper way to fight crime is through the continuing development and improvement of anti-crime strategies, in partnership between the Government, citizens, and the police. The detection rates for robbery and burglary in Northern Ireland are given in the table:
This is in addition to crime prevention schemes, such as the Northern Ireland Tobacco and Alcohol Security Group, which have proved their worth with significant reductions in the amount of high-value goods stolen over the last three years.
Most recently, I announced a major crime prevention initiative on 1 May this year. This anti-burglary programme highlights six ways to beat the burglar and is a joint venture between the police, the Northern Ireland office and Northern Ireland Electricity, which is providing sponsorship for the programme.