Cities outside of the capital have seen the highest spike in crime rates.

An Irish Independent analysis found crime rates in Cork, Limerick and Waterford have risen considerably since before the pandemic.

 

Between 2019 and 2022, Crime was up 12.4 per cent at Anglesea Garda Station in Cork, 4.4 per cent at Henry Street in Limerick and 4.3 per cent at Ballybricken in Waterford.

The most dramatic increase recorded nationally was at Moate Garda Station in Westmeath, which saw crime increase by 125 per cent.

Larger stations such as Dublin Airport saw rates increase by nearly 50 per cent since before the pandemic.

The type of crime which has seen the biggest spike during this four year period was homicide - which has risen by 30 per cent.

Despite these increases, there was a decrease in the level of crime across 257 stations, including Ballinrobe in Mayo and Salthill in Galway.

Last year was recorded as the worst year for crime in Galway, while five year peaks were recorded in several stations including Athenry, Gort, Oranmore and Clifden.

Figures based on offences recorded by the Garda Pulse system show the overall level of crime rose in 24 of the country's 28 Garda divisions last year compared to 2021.

Only Roscommon/ Longford, Mayo, Cork West and Wicklow bucked the trend.