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Headline achievements include the overall detection rate rising to 46%, burglary falling by 40% - it’s lowest for several decades, and fewer serious assaults on Island.

 

Offending in the younger generation continues to be an area of concern for the Constabulary, with 224 young people being responsible for almost 700 offences, though just sixteen individuals committed 275 of those total offences. For the third successive year, adolescents committed more violent offences and teenagers were responsible for half of all assaults on officers.

 

Although there was an overall increase in young offending, over 90% of this group who came to the attention of the Police did not reoffend after intervention.

 

Chief Constable Gary Roberts QPM said: ‘The Isle of Man remains a supremely safe place in which to live, to do business or to visit. There is much that is positive in this year’s report, but a lot of hard work is needed to address two major issues, the first being offending by young people.’

 

This year saw the overall amount of drugs seized on Island fall, partly due to a change in police tactics to disrupt activity, however the amount of heroin seized increased tenfold. As highlighted in last years’ report, the link between drugs and exploitation of young people is a serious concern for the Constabulary.

 

He added: ‘The second major issue, often linked with the first, is the trade in controlled drugs, which ultimately emanates from the United Kingdom. The year saw further strong evidence that organised criminal groups are exploiting young and vulnerable people and the Constabulary and its partners share a collective will to tackle this problem head on, with important work including ‘Operation Yarrow’ highlighting the importance of intervention and protective measures.’