Our Performance

Last updated 6th June 2025.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has published its latest recorded statistics for the 12 months from 1st May 2024 - 30th April 2025. 

These figures provide an insight into recorded numbers around crime, anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, hate-motivated crime and drug seizures.  

There were 95,313 crimes recorded in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 7606 (-7.4%) when compared with the previous 12 months.  The level recorded in the latest 12 months is the lowest since 2020/21 (when lockdown restrictions were in place).

There were 44610 anti-social behaviour incidents in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 253 (-0.6%) when compared with the previous 12 months.  This is one of the lowest 12 month figures since the data series began in 2006/07.

Police Recorded Crime in Northern Ireland

In the 12 months from 1st May 2024 to 30th April 2025: 

• There were 95,313 crimes recorded in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 7,606 (-7.4%) when compared with the previous 12 months.
• The level recorded in the latest 12 months is the lowest since 2020/21 (when lockdown restrictions were in place).
• Each month May 2024 to April 2025 recorded lower levels than the same months in the previous year, with August showing the largest decrease (-14 per cent).
• All policing districts experienced a lower level of crime.
• Lower crime levels were seen in violence against the person. The largest volume decrease was in violence without injury, with smaller decreases seen in violence with injury and stalking and harassment.
• Lower crime levels were also seen across robbery, burglary, theft, criminal damage, drug offences, public order offences, possession of weapons offences and miscellaneous crimes against society.
• Higher crime levels were seen in sexual offences.

We are committed to providing a high quality service to victims of crime and we undertake a victim satisfaction survey to monitor how well we are delivering our services and to identify areas for improvement.

Source: Police Recorded Crime Bulleting Period Ending 30th April 2025

Drug Seizure Statistics in Northern Ireland 

Details of the number of drug seizures and drug related arrests is available on our Drug Seizure Statistics page. 

The number of drug seizure incidents recorded by the police has shown a mainly upwards trend since 2006/07, with the only decreases seen in 2016/17, 2023/24 and 2024/25. 

Drug-related arrests generally increased between 2006/07 and 2019/20. A fall in each of 2020/21 and 2021/22 was followed by an increase in both 2022/23 and 2023/24; 2024/25 has shown a further decrease. 

In 12 months from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025: 

• There were 6,740 drug seizure incidents, a decrease of 1,779 (20.9 per cent) on the previous 12 months.
• There was a fall in the number of seizure incidents across all drug classes.
• Cannabis (Class B) was the most commonly seized drug, followed by cocaine (Class A), pregabalin (Class C) and benzodiazepines (Class C).
• Ten policing districts showed a fall in the number of drug seizure incidents.
• There were 3,119 drug-related arrests, a decrease of 465 (13.0 per cent) when compared with the previous 12 months.
• Nine policing districts showed a decrease in drug-related arrests.

Source: Drug Seizure Statistics Period Ending 31st March 2025

Anti-Social Behaviour Incidents Recorded by the Police in Northern Ireland

The number of anti-social behaviour incidents had been trending downwards since the start of the data series in 2006/07, with levels falling to around three fifths of the initial total by the end of 2019/20. The introduction of lockdown measures and other restrictions relating to the Covid-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in levels of anti-social behaviour recorded during 2020/21. Following the removal of restrictions, the downwards trend in anti-social behaviour incidents resumed, with 2024/25 recording the lowest financial year level in the data series. 

In the 12 months from 1st May 2024 to 30th April 2025: 

• There were 44,610 anti-social behaviour incidents in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 253 (-0.6%) when compared with the previous 12 months. This is one of the lowest 12 month figure since the data series began in 2006/07 
• Six of the months between May 2024 and April 2025 recorded the lowest levels of anti-social behaviour for those months since the start of the data series in April 2006. Of the remaining months, May, September and November 2024 and April 2025 recorded the second lowest levels while December 2024 and March 2025 recorded the third lowest levels.
• Eight policing districts experienced lower levels of antisocial behaviour.
• Six policing districts experienced an increase in levels of anti-social behaviour between March and April 2025.

Source: ASB Bulletin Period Ending 30th April 2025

Figures used are for the period April 2024 - September 2024 (the most recent comparable statistics).

Northern Ireland has the lowest crime rate when compared with all other police forces in England and Wales.

Figures used are for Financial Year April 2024 - September 2024.

Crime rates in Northern Ireland (NI) are significantly lower than in England and Wales*. This means that people and businesses here are less likely to be a victim of crime.

Figures for the financial year ending June 2024 show the Police Service of Northern Ireland consistently has better investigative outcomes than those in England and Wales. 

We are very pleased with this performance and are working hard to keep it that way.

Sources:

*NI rate sourced from Police Recorded Crime Bulletins.  E&W rate sourced from the Office for National Statistics.

Despite the very challenging policing environment in Northern Ireland it is important to emphasise that our work goes on; officers and staff continue to deliver for communities in spite of the current relentless demands and pressures.

We regularly update our 'News' section with details of proactive policing operations and significant court outcomes.

In the 12 months from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025: 

• There were 33,153 detections for motoring offences in Northern Ireland, of which 97% were dealt with by means of a fixed penalty notice or referral for prosecution.
• The remaining 3% (977) resulted in the completion of a speed awareness or safer driver course.
• Total detections decreased by 21% on the 41,744 detections recorded in the previous 12 months, with notable reductions across a number of offence groups including insurance, speeding, driving licence and careless driving offences.
• Only one of the 19 offence groups showed an increase in detections over the year – breach of signs and signals, which rose slightly (12) to 199 detections.
• The largest offence group was insurance offences with 5,236 which along with speeding (4,474) accounted for under one-third of the total detections.
• The highest speed detected by PSNI officers in the latest 12 months was 132mph, on the A8 Belfast Road, Larne.

Source: Motoring Offence Statistics for Northern Ireland Ending 31st March 2025 

Operation Lifesaver - 'Slow Down and Save Lives'

Road Safety is a key policing priority and the ‘Fatal Five’ is important messaging relating to this and speeding is the main contributory reasons why people are dying on our roads. 

Sadly 20* people have lost their lives on our roads since January this year (*figures up until 5/6/25). In the calendar year 2024 a total of 69 people died in road traffic collisions.  Fatal and serious collisions, over the last year, have devastated families and communities, left loved ones dealing with unimaginable grief and others with life changing injuries and we know that speeding was the main causation factor in close to 10 per cent of cases, and a contributory factor in many other collisions.

Image: Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson and Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson at the Operation Lifesaver launch on 16 April 2025.   

Speed can cause crashes, all of us who drive have a responsibility to keep everyone safe on the roads and help save lives. This means sticking to the speed limits, paying attention on the road, slowing down and taking our time.”

The Chief Constable's monthly accountability report to the Northern Ireland Policing Board shows some of the excellent work undertaken by your Police Service to keep people safe.

Organised Crime

On 24 April 2025, local district officers stopped a vehicle on Glenmachan Street, Belfast. The vehicle was found to be displaying false registration plates, and a search recovered gloves, sunglasses, and a black balaclava. Two men were arrested at the scene. Subsequent checks revealed that one of the men was subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) and had failed to notify police of his access to, and use of, this vehicle, in breach of the order’s terms. He was charged with failing to comply with a SCPO and reported to the Public Prosecution Service for the offence of going equipped for theft. He appeared before court the following day and was remanded in custody for the breach of SCPO.

On 30 April 2025, detectives, supported by officers from the Local Policing Team, a Tactical Support Group and ANPR Interceptors, conducted coordinated searches at a rural shed, a private dwelling, and a business premises in County Antrim. These searches led to the recovery of suspected Class A, B and C controlled drugs, with an estimated street value of £1.6m, along with ammunition and associated paraphernalia. All items have been submitted for forensic analysis. This seizure represents a substantial disruption to organised drug trafficking in the region.

On 12 May 2025, three men were arrested following searches conducted in connection with the importation and supply of illegal drugs. The operation followed the seizure of two postal packages on 20 and 23 April, which together contained approximately 6.3 kilograms of herbal cannabis, valued at approximately £95,000. The parcels were destined for an address in Ballymoney, the residence of one of the suspects. During the searches, officers recovered a small quantity of suspected Class A and B controlled drugs, along with over £1,000 in cash. All three individuals were interviewed and have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Serious Crime Branch

Detectives from PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have charged a man with a series of offences under the Terrorism Act. These include managing a meeting in support of a proscribed organisation, aiding and abetting the wearing of clothing or articles indicating support for a proscribed organisation, and aiding and abetting the breach of Parades Commission conditions relating to a parade in Derry/ Londonderry on 21 April 2025.

On 13 May 2025, a coordinated effort between PSNI’s International Policing Unit and Terrorism Investigation Unit led to the successful extradition of Sean Walsh from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland. Walsh is wanted in connection with serious terrorism related offences, including belonging to a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism, conspiracy to direct terrorism, and preparation of terrorist acts. This extradition is part of Operation Arbacia, a long-running joint investigation by PSNI and MI5 into the activities of dissident republican groups, dating back to 2020. The International Policing Unit secured international arrest warrants in November 2021 and worked closely with An Garda Síochána throughout the extradition process. This marks the fifth and final extradition under Operation Arbacia, and demonstrates PSNI’s unwavering determination to pursue wanted individuals who flee this jurisdiction. 

Major Investigation Team detectives have charged a man with the murder of Daniel McClean (2 February 2021) and the attempted murder of Sean O’Reilly (23 February 2025). He has been remanded into custody

Local Policing

Across Northern Ireland, Local Policing Teams continue to take proactive and reactive actions to disrupt crime, protect the vulnerable, and deliver visible reassurance to communities. 

Lurgan and Banbridge Neighbourhood Policing Teams collaborated in a joint investigation into a suspicious postal package. This led to the recovery of approximately 40,000 Class C controlled drugs (tablets). Two people have been arrested and charged with drug related offences. This proactive intervention has prevented a significant quantity of harmful substances from reaching communities and highlights our ongoing efforts to disrupt emerging trends in drug distribution, including parcel-point drug deliveries.

While conducting enquiries into an unrelated matter, officers in Armagh uncovered a cannabis factory within a residential property. Two men were arrested at the scene for drug related offences and have since been charged to court. This discovery, made during routine enquiries, demonstrates the constant professionalism and vigilance of our officers in preventing and detecting crimes and working to reduce harm. 

On 15 May 2025, officers in Coleraine attempted to stop a vehicle on Drumcroon Road. The vehicle failed to stop and attempted to evade police, driving at speeds exceeding 100mph. Specially trained officers initiated a pursuit, safely bringing the vehicle to a halt using a stinger device. The driver was arrested and charged with multiple offences including dangerous driving, possession of a Class A drug, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and resisting police. He has been charged to Court. 

In Ballymena, District Support Team officers conducted a positive Stop and Search procedure after observing a person leave a nearby property carrying a bag that contained a quantity of drugs. A subsequent search of the address uncovered a suspected methamphetamine laboratory, along with further Class A and B controlled drugs. The suspect was arrested, charged and has been remanded into custody. This operation reflects our firm stance on tackling the production and distribution of illegal drugs, which cause significant harm in our communities. 

Local Policing Team officers in Ballymena carried out proactive patrols that resulted in a successful stop and search procedure being conducted. Subsequent premises searches led to the seizure of a quantity of Class A controlled drugs, an air rifle, and £2,510 in cash. Two suspects were arrested. These targeted patrols continue to play a key role in reducing drug related harm within our communities. 

Mid and East Antrim Policing District is piloting an innovative initiative in partnership with ONUS to enhance safety in gyms and leisure facilities across the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area. Led by the local Chief Inspector and Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by Public Protection Branch, the programme is designed to raise awareness of inappropriate and harmful behaviours and empower both staff and users to challenge them.

Further significant investigations and court outcomes are highlighted in the Chief Constable's report.