Latest figures shows the Naas area as the worst affected by crime in Kildare

The latest figures released from the Central Statistics Office have revealed that Naas Garda station recorded the highest number of crimes in the first six months of this year.

There has been a total of 682 crimes recorded by Gardaí in Naas in the first half of 2016, which is far greater than the 463 crimes recorded in Newbridge, which had the second highest number in the county.

The main crime that Gardaí in Naas have had to deal with is theft and related offences, which accounts for 267 of all recorded indiscretions. In comparison, Newbridge recorded 178 such crimes, while Celbridge also had a high number, with 139 such offences being noted in the north Kildare town.

Burglary remains a major problem in the county, and all stations have seen a large number of those type of offences being reported. Newbridge had the highest number- 80-, while Naas recorded 77 and Athy(67) and Celbridge(63) weren't far off that figure either.

Drug offences still remain a big issue around the county, and Athy features relatively high up the list for the number of such crimes being reported. Athy Garda Station dealt with 35 such offences in the first half of 2016, with only Newbridge(36) recording a higher amount. Naas Garda Station investigated 34 such crimes, while Kildare Town Gardaí investigated 32.

One of the most striking statistics to pop out is the 'Offences against government, justice procedures and organisation of crime' figures for Naas. Gardaí in Naas have dealt with 56 crimes that fall under that branch, while the next highest figure in that category was recorded in Athy, but that number was only 14. The Offences against government, justice procedures and organisation of crime refers to crimes that include breaching of court orders, perjury, treason and Public mischief, pervert course of justice, conceal offence among other offences.