Violent crime is soaring according to the 2008 crime statistics with murder, robbery and firearms offences all showing increases.

Overall crime is also on the up, for the fourth successive year, with nearly 3,000 offences recorded — the highest figure since 2002.

Repeat offenders are a big problem with four individuals registering 49 arrests between them, while 520 people found themselves in custody more than once.

The statistics were released at a Police press conference today.

* Have you been a victim of crime - what do you think about these figures? Email news@royalgazette.bm

* For a full breakdown see tomorrow’s The Royal Gazette.