The number of blackmail and extortion offences in Donegal has increased drastically.
According to figures released today from the Central Statistics Office, there was a drop in the number of sexual offences and criminal damage incidents.
CSO figures have revealed there were 41 incidents of blackmail and extortion offences in Donegal in 2023, representing a jump of 241% when compared to 2022.
Similarly fraud, deception and related offences increased 18%.
On the other hand, the number of recorded sexual offences dropped almost 5% with 155 in the county last year.
822 attempts or threats to murder, assault, harassments and related offences were recorded in 2023, down 9% on the previous year.
In terms of drink driving, there were 256 incidents last year, down 17% on 2022 figures while drug driving incidents are up slightly to 111.
Last year in Donegal there were two murders recorded along with 8 kidnappings, 5 human trafficking incidents, 51 robberies, 275 burglaries, 814 thefts, 335 controlled drugs offences, 53 incidents of possession of drugs for sale and supply, 42 offences of arson, 2 prostitution offences and 566 criminal damage incidents which is down over 1.5%.
