There's been a drop in crime, but incidents of sexual violence are on the rise.

Latest figures show the number of criminal offences fell 2.8 percent in 2014.

But Police say sexual assault and related offences remain a major concern, with a 3.5 percent increase last year.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Grant Nicholls says it's believed that historically sexual violence has been under-reported to authorities.

He says Police are heartened that victims of this type of crime are coming forward.