Break-ins and thefts went up by 24.7 per cent and homicide by 3.2 per cent in the first six months of this year when compared with the same period in 2011, although the overall crime rate has fallen by 1.8 per cent.

Violent crime has gone up overall by 5.9 per cent, with aggravated burglaries rising by 9.2 per cent.

And the minister warns that burglaries are becoming more 'creative' and different types of properties targeted, not just business premises and main residences.

Garages, outhouses, sheds, storerooms and communal areas of apartment blocks are also frequently hit, and empty holiday homes are often broken into.

However, car theft has fallen by 9.6 per cent, says the minister.