The number of crimes reported to the police rose 4% last year, the first recorded rise in nine years, but ‘traditional’ crimes are still going down, according to new figures.

There were fewer reports of burglary and pick-pocketing, but there was a sharp rise in the number of reports of fraud – particularly internet and bank related fraud, the new police figures show.

The reason for the overall rise, police say, could either be ‘an increase in the crime rate, changes in the way crimes are recorded, an rise in the number of internet-based reports and the increase in fraud-related crime.’

In addition, the suspects are getting younger, police say. ‘They see websites where you can buy and sell items as an easy way to score money,’ police chief Erik Akkerboom said. ‘This can be the first step into a life of crime.

‘Or take the children involved in the riots in Duindorp in the run-up to New Year. The youngest was nine,’ he said. ‘We have to tackle this together and that requires input from parents, schools, local authorities and the police.’

More police capacity is also being taken up dealing with problems caused by drunks and people with psychiatric problems, Akkerboom said.