Crime levels in Clare have fallen significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New CSO figures have revealed that the total number of crimes recorded here in 2020 fell by nearly 12%, dropping to their lowest level since at least 2003.
While all crime statistics are released under reservation by the CSO, in a sign of their concerns over the quality of Garda-provided data, that data does paint a positive picture for Clare.
The total number of crimes here fell by just under 12% last year, with a a total of 2,935.
This equates to about 8 crimes a day, and is the lowest figure on record, with data available from 2003.
The figures suggest the pandemic has been a major contributory factor – the likes of burglaries and assaults were at their highest levels in the first three months of the year, before most restrictions kicked in.
In fact, all crime categories saw a fall except for drugs offences, which were up by almost a third.
Previously senior Gardaí have welcomed a rise in drugs related offences, saying it’s evidence that those responsible are being caught.
