North fears crime wave

THE Northern Ireland peace process has brought a sharp up turn in sales of alarm systems, according to local suppliers, with homes and businesses anticipating a rise in thefts and break ins.

Demand for personal intruder alarms and other surveillance equipment has increased by up to 20 per cent in the past year, while installations of remote alarm systems (connected to police stations), rose by 10 per cent.

The expectation of an upturn in criminal activity follows years of relatively low crime during the Troubles. The RUC, however, said there were no signs, so far, of an increase in crime.