Cycle thefts and thefts from unattended vehicles accelerated in the first quarter of this year, according to Police statistics released yesterday.

Overall there was a three-percent increase in crime over the same period last year, with the number of incidents reported to Police rising from 680 crimes to 701.

According to Police, the increase in thefts are because they are opportunistic crimes where culprits take advantage of insecure and unattended homes, guest accommodations, and cars.

Incidents of crime rise slightly This has prompted Police to warn the public about securing their property and valuables and to take other precautions.

Break-in offences continued their three-year decline, with just 229 crimes reported between January and March, while removals of motor vehicles jumped from 238 to 295.

Cycle theft -- particularly in Hamilton -- continues to frustrate the Police Service.

Police anticipate that the introduction of closed circuit television will reduce the rampant problem.

The Service's cycle crime unit promises to be "proactive'' in the battle, particularly with the arrival of the tourist season and imminent summer holidays.

In all, 276 cycles were stolen and of that number, 137 were motorcycles.

Meanwhile six cars and three other classes of vehicle were taken.

Violent crimes for the period stayed virtually the same, with an increase of just one to 77 crimes.

There were 27 assault and wounding incidents, 16 sex crimes, 19 robberies or attempted robberies, and 13 assaults on Police. Only two firearm offences were reported to Police.

Thefts from the person totaled 12 incidents, while there were two handbag snatches, and nine thefts from hotels.

There were 41 burglaries and attempted burglaries, 91 house break-ins, 31 store and school break-ins, and four office break-ins.

Also during that time there were 42 other breaking offences and 20 more attempted break and enters.

Police reported that many of the Island's habitual crooks have been prosecuted and are behind bars, hinting at the reason for the reduction.

Overall, since 1995 crime during the first three months has dropped from 1075 to the 701 crimes overall, a 34.8 percent reduction.