THE number of illegal immigrants sneaking into the territory is heading towards a record high since the influx started in 1980.
Up to yesterday, 34,314 had been caught this year - more than the total for the whole of last year.
There were 33,703 illegal immigrants caught last year and 24,029 in 1991.
Police concede the number of people caught might only represent a small percentage of the total number who entered illegally.
Police records reveal a consistent influx of illegal immigrants on a monthly basis with no particular period suffering from a significantly heavier rate.
A police source said that the steady flow of illegal immigrants could indicate an unsuccessful border control.
''However, it is very hard to judge how many illegal immigrants slip in without being caught and we remain confident of being on top of the problem and will continue to use the necessary resources to deal with it,'' he said.