There was a dramatic 13.4% increase in violent crimes last year, of which rape cases were up by about 30% and gang robbery by a whopping 160%.

According to the latest crime index released by the police today, the average increase in overall crime in 2007 was 7.1%, but the jump in serious crimes was much higher.

The highest spike involved the category of gang robbery involving weapons other than firearms - from 2,723 cases in 2006 to 7,076 in 2007 - or a jump of 159.5%.

These are the percentage increases for a selected breakdown of crimes in 2007:

Rape - 3,177 cases (+29.5%)

Outraging modesty - 2,320 (+12.4%)

Night-time home break-in - 24,440 (+21.7%)

Day break-in - 9,159 (+4.2%)

Motorcycle theft - 67,854 (+3.2%)

Car theft - 12,427 (+11.4%)

Snatch theft - 11,127 (+0.5%)

Other theft - 44,617 (+5.1%)

Rioting - 2,608 (+13.8)

Amidst the mostly grim statistics, there was however a significant reduction in the number of non-firearms robberies by single individuals.

The figure dropped by 2,226, or 11.4%, from 19,467 to 17,241 in 2007.

The statistics also show a reduction in murders, robberies involving individuals with firearms, and theft of heavy vehicles.

PM: Why is it so high?

In an immediate reaction, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that the crime statistics are worrying.

“I was very worried. I ask ‘What’s going on? Why is it so high?’” Abdullah told reporters after being briefed about the crime statistics at the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters this afternoon.

According to Abdullah, the reason for the spike was that five new categories of crime - rioting, extortion, causing hurt, outraging modesty and criminal intimidation - have been added to the statistics since 2006.

He said the statistics would not worry the public and foreign investors if the situation is explained to them properly.

“If they are not informed (properly) and they don’t know, of course, they would be worried,” he said.

The three-hour briefing, sought by Abdullah, was also attended by Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Baharum and Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Interestingly, top editors from nearly every local media mainstream media organisation were present at the briefing. Police sources indicated that Abdullah had invited them.

Drastic action needed

He said the situation must be urgently addressed.

"We need to take drastic action to stop the rise in criminal activities. I am very concerned about crime levels," Abdullah said.

"It can cause fear among the people, it can cause inconvenience to them because they'll be afraid to go out at night."

More officers will be deployed to patrol the streets and close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed in buildings to enhance security.

Abdullah said the police would focus on four core areas:

• Re-hiring retired police officers and training new officers to increase the number of personnel by 60,000 in 2011

• Increasing the number of civilians in the police force (e.g. for secretarial work)

• Compelling private property owners to install CCTV camerass

• Constructing more police stations and beat-bases

Asked when these new measures would be implemented, Abdullah said, “beginning tomorrow”.

On the installation of CCTV cameras, Abdullah said this would be coordinated by the Local Government and Housing Ministry.

He added that property owners or tenants who refuse to comply with the regulation would have “appropriate action” taken against them.

“If you want to fight crime, you have to pay,” Abdullah said.