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Police: Northern Ireland

Volume 717: debated on Monday 22 February 2010

Question

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many burglaries have been reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland in each of the last eight quarters; how many burglaries involved breaking into the homes of older people when the occupants were present; and whether the current sentencing guidelines for burglaries are effective. [HL1760]

The following table details the total number of burglaries that have been reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in each of the past eight quarters, including the number and percentage of burglaries where the victim/householder was over 65 years of age.

Total number of burglaries, domestic burglaries and domestic burglaries where the victim/householder is Age 65+

Total Burglaries (Domestic and Non-Domestic)

Total Domestic Burglary

Total Domestic Burglary victim/Householder age 65+

% of Domestic Burglaries where Victim/Householder age 65+

% Domestic Burglaries where age of Victim/Householder unknown

Jan-Mar 2008

2,993

1,744

235

13.5

5.9

Apr-Jun 2008

2,989

1,690

167

9.9

4.6

Jul-Sep 2008

2,904

1,673

238

14.2

4.2

Oct-Dec 2008

3,296

1,935

305

15.8

3.6

Jan-Mar 2009

3,285

2,053

371

18.1

4.3

Apr-Jun 20091

3,225

1,846

277

15.0

3.8

Jul-Sep 20091

3,149

1,829

255

13.9

4.5

Oct-Dec 20091

3,132

1,781

313

17.6

5.7

Source: Central Statistics Unit, PSNI

1 Figures for the current financial year from 1 April 2009 are provisional and will be subject to change.

The proportion of these which occurred when the victim was present cannot be calculated without incurring disproportionate cost.

The Northern Ireland Court of Appeal delivers guideline judgments on sentencing practice to support sentencers in determining the most appropriate sentence and encourage consistency. Regard may also be given to published sentencing guidelines in England and Wales. The age and vulnerability of the victim is one of a number of aggravating factors which can be taken into account in determining the sentence in individual cases.