THE PSNI's attendance rate at crimes has hit a record low as officers are not sent out to one in every five offences.
Statistics compiled by The Irish News reveal a significant drop in police attending crime scenes – instead dealing with more incidents over the phone.
It has led to fears that cutbacks mean victims of crime are effectively being forced to investigate offences for themselves.
The overall attendance rate dropped to 80 per cent during 2015, but for some crimes the figure was as low as 52 per cent in parts of the north.
One in three sexual offences were not attended by officers, with reports of thefts also seeing some of the biggest drops in attendance.
The likelihood that an officer is sent to an incident varies significantly depending on the type of crime and where you live.
The figures come amid concerns over diminishing officer numbers, the potential closure of several more police stations, and further budget cuts.
The PSNI said more calls are now resolved over the telephone, allowing police to concentrate on incidents of "greatest threat, risk and harm to society".
Chief Inspector Clive Beatty said: "Instead of attending all calls, we conduct a risk and needs-based assessment on the individual circumstances of each incident against the needs of the customer and the obligations of the organisation."
However, one Policing Board member last night described the statistics as "horrifying".
SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly said: "There are communities across the north with residents tormented by crime and gripped by the fear of crime. In that context, the PSNI should be seeking to increase attendance rates, rather than let them slip dangerously low.
"I am particularly concerned by attendance rates for sexual crimes which have fallen by 23 per cent in the last year alone. As a woman and as a mother I find that absolutely terrifying."
