New figures show an increase in the number of kidnappings around the country in 2013.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), there were 119 related offences in the 12 months to the end of December. That compares with 101 in the previous 12 months - or a rise of 17.8%.

The annualised figures also show a drop of 13.9% in cases of fraud and deception, while burglary and related offences fell by 7.2%.

Additional falls were seen in dangerous or negligent acts, attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences.

The CSO says the increase in kidnapping and related offences was driven by a rise in false imprisonment and abduction of persons under 16 years of age. While a 3.3% rise in theft and related offences was due to a rise in most theft sub-groups, it adds.

In 2013, the number of offences of sexual assaults fell to 2,047 from 2,117 in 2012.

The statistics have been welcomed by the acting Garda Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan.

She says the decrease in crime rates reflects the commitment and hard work by the dedicated members of An Garda Síochána.