Police say they are taking the increase seriously

Vandalism, shoplifting and car theft have caused a 6% rise in crime in Jersey.

Police figures show although there have been fewer serious crimes in the first three months of 2003, Jersey has a problem with what police describe as "lesser crimes".

It is the first time the States of Jersey Police has released quarterly crime figures.

They show burglaries have fallen by a third, drug offences by a quarter and assaults by 16%, compared to the average for the past three years.

Police complaints

But there has been what the chief police officer, Graham Power, has called an "alarming increase" in vandalism and car theft by youngsters.

He said: "The police are taking it seriously and trying to find ways to catch persistent offenders."

A police review has recommended that people who annoy neighbours by shouting loudly could in future be charged with disorderly behaviour.

The review recommends the new law is introduced to charge people with behaving in a way, either in the sight or hearing of people, that is likely to cause alarm or distress.

The review has now been passed over to the Attorney General after the Home Affairs Committee gave its approval.

Meanwhile, 10 people complained that Jersey police officers used excessive force during 2002.

The complaints were made to the island's Police Complaints Authority, which has just released its annual report.

In 2002, 21 people made complaints to the authority.

Authority rules

Ten alleged that officers had used excessive force, while three complained about the use of CS spray and five claimed they had been harassed and treated in a threatening manner.

But 12 complaints were later withdrawn, while the authority ruled another four could not be investigated.

Of those it did examine, three complaints could not be supported, though one was upheld.

One complaint is still being investigated.

Leslie May, chairman of the Jersey Police Complaints Authority said he was pleased the majority of complaints were withdrawn.