The number of crime incidents recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE database classified as fraud increased by more than 40% in the year to June 2021, new CSO figures show.

However,  incidents of burglary were down 37%, while theft was down 22%, and robbery was down 21% in the year to Q2 2021, compared to the previous year.

There were also fewer assaults (down by 9%), criminal damage (down by 6%) and public order offences (down by 10%) due to the likely impact of virus restrictions on levels of crime.

A total of 3,778 offences were recorded on PULSE for breaches of COVID-19 regulations in Q2 2021.

The latest recorded crime statistics cover the period to the end of June 2021.

Breaches

This was a marked decrease on the 10,438 such offences recorded during Q1 2021 following the introduction of a new system of fines in respect of breaches in December 2020.

Statistician Sam Scriven said: “The number of crime incidents recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE database which were classified as fraud offences increased by more than 40% in the year to Q2 2021 compared to the previous year.

“The increase has occurred mostly in Q1 and Q2 of 2021 and primarily relates to fraudulent attempts to obtain personal or banking information online or by phone as well as fraudulent use of credit and debit card information.”

Justice minister Heather Humphreys said that she welcomed the reduced reports of property crime over the COVID-19 period but urged the public to exercise caution and follow crime prevention advice.

"There will be no relaxation in the collective effort of the Government and gardaí to suppress crime," she added.