The number of crimes reported to the police last year reached 797,000, up 7% on 2021 when lockdowns and other coronavirus-related measures disrupted society for much of the time, according to an analysis of new police data.

Between 2012 and 2021, registered crime fell continuously, reaching its lowest ever level in 2021. Police say the rise last year is down to the relaxation of rules at the start of 2022.

‘The number of crimes has a direct relationship to the reopening of shops, cafes and increased mobility,’ a spokesman told news agency ANP.

In particular, there was an increase in high impact crimes such as burglary (up 3%), mugging (up 7%) and assault (up 13%). There was a 2% decline in reported armed robberies, ANP said.

The amount of registered online crime remained in line with 2021 at around 14,000 cases, but this is up five fold on 2018.