If you have been feeling that traffic on the roads has been crazy, it has not been entirely your imagination.

On average 8.5 traffic collisions took place each day of the second quarter of the year.

Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith revealed the figure as he released crime statistics for the second quarter at a press conference yesterday.

Commissioner Smith said that the second quarter (the period from April 1 to June 30) this year saw collision rates rise nine percent over last, to an average of 8.5 a day.

And he said those rates were 13 percent up from 2000.

"We are concerned about this," he said, adding that vigilant enforcement of safety on the roads by Police would continue.

Also according to the report, crimes of violence decreased in comparison to the same quarter last year. Statistics show, however, that in spite of this decrease there was one murder and one attempted murder in the second quarter of this year - something which has not happened in the last six years.

Stealing and breaking and entering, as well as violence, have decreased from this time last year.

On the whole crime levels appear to be rising slightly from last year, however this is due mainly to the significant increase in bike thefts. In the second quarter of 2002, 340 motorbikes were reported stolen compared to 251 back in 1996 when the problem was at its height.

Mr. Smith said that Police "do need the community to help" if headway is to be made in curbing bike and other vehicle thefts.

He said that Police made 27 vehicle-removal arrests over one three week period but in spite of this crackdown the public does still need to ensure that they lock their bikes securely.

Assistant Commissioner Carlton Adams tied the increase in bike thefts in the quarter to children having more free time during the summer holiday time.

He also noted that bike thefts may be on the rise due to both the high cost and the unavailability on the Island of replacement parts, recounting a recent case where a youngster stole parts from a bike that were not available in stores on the Island.

Assistant Commissioner Adams also suggested that bikes are being stolen for quick resale to make money for drugs.

More drug seizures took place between April and June compared to last year, said Commissioner Smith, adding his compliments to "Customs Officers on the front line" and the Police narcotics division.

He highlighted the continued rise of the drug ecstasy on the Island, saying that there was increasing evidence that this dangerous drug is now more readily available.

"In general it is young adults who are buying the drug," he said.

In all, crime levels decreased from the first quarter of this year. Police said 735 crimes took place in the first quarter while 710 took place in the second.