Gang retaliation has led to an increase in crimes against people according to new statistics released by Police today.

The second quarter crime statistics are based on a new reporting system which covers 437 offences. Only 66 offences were covered under the old system.

The new system breaks crimes down into several categories including crimes against people, crimes against property and crimes against the community.

Murder, manslaughter, serious assault, other assault, sexual assault, robbery, offences against children and indecency are classified as crimes against people.

This classification saw a three percent decrease, down eight offences, compared to the second quarter last year. However, with 250 crimes falling into this classification it was the second highest number for the second quarter in the last four years.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Jackman said: “This can be attributed to the retaliatory assaults between gangs which has led to a significant increase in other assault, serious assault were also up.”

Crimes against the community include possession of firearms and other weapons as well as anti-social behaviour and animal offences. These increased by 40 percent, or 71 offences, to 246 offences in the second quarter.

Crimes against property, which include burglaries at residents, tourist accommodations and non-residential buildings, criminal damage, motor vehicle theft, theft of property, fraud and deception, have decreased 14 percent.

The most recent statistics revealed there were 150 less crimes being reported in this category, compared to the second quarter in 2008.

For the full details read The Royal Gazette tomorrow.