RAMALLAH, February 19, 2013 (WAFA) – A little bit less than 10% of households in Palestine - 7.1% in the West Bank and 13.4% in Gaza Strip - were victims of criminal offenses during fourth quarter of 2012, according to a survey published Tuesday by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).

The highest offenses cited were theft of a vehicle, which affected 4.3% of the households, followed by theft in general, excluding vehicles, 3.2%, damage to property, 0.5%, threats to property, 0.3%, and assault on property, 0.7%.

The PCBS said 1.8% of individuals - 1.4% in the West Bank and 2.3% in Gaza Strip – were victims of a criminal offense including theft, 37.8% (43.5% in the West Bank and 32% in Gaza Strip), 6.2% assaults (8.4% in the West Bank and 3.9% in Gaza Strip), 3.0% damage to property (4.2% in the West Bank and 1.9% in Gaza Strip).

The percentage of criminal offenses against individuals causing actual bodily harm was 5.5%, and it was higher in the West Bank at 7.6% compared to 3.3% in Gaza Strip.

The PCBS said 4.4% of Palestinian households were victims of harassment or assault by Israeli soldiers, and 42.2% of individuals have been harassed or assaulted by Israeli soldiers or settlers.

The survey was based on a questionnaire completed by a random sample of 7,704 households - 5,168 in the West Bank and 2,536 in Gaza Strip.

M.S.