Crime figures released for the Donegal Garda Division have shown an increase of up to 30% in sexual assault and rape offences.
A total of 43 such offences took place in Co Donegal in the second quarter of this year (April to July) compared to 30 for the same period last year.
However, overall the majority of crime across Co Donegal is down in almost all areas.
The most significant drop has been in the public order and disorderly conduct area.
Disorderly offences have dropped from 382 to 232 while public order offences have dropped from 420 to 264.
The number of people caught drink-driving in this period has also dropped from 88 to 71.
There has also been a significant drop in the number of people caught damaging property with the numbers dropping from 219 to 160.
The general drop in major crime has been welcomed by Labour Party Senator Jimmy Harte.
He said “The decrease is welcomed in Public order and Disorderly conduct and I wish to commend the tireless work of local Gardai who are on the beat despite operating with reduced resources.
“The figures, which were released by the CSO, show that burglaries and public order in particular are decreasing in many parts of rural Ireland.”
