Brian Neeson National Police Spokesperson

14 September 2000

Hawkins steals credit from Police

The 5.1% reduction in recorded crime is in line with the trend we have seen in the last four years and it's a bit rich for George Hawkins to claim credit for the improving statistics, National Police spokesperson Brian Neeson said today.

"Mr Hawkins is already claiming his Government's anti-burglary policies are the reason for these good statistics. Mr Hawkins' comments belong in the category of 'dishonesty offences'.

"The fact is in the period covered by these statistics there were no new Labour Government policies in effect. It is National that increased the number of Police on the beat, that introduced specialist burglary squads and early intervention programmes.

"But let's give credit where credits due - to the record 7,000 Police we now have on the beat in New Zealand. The praise should be going to the hard working Police Officers who fight crime on behalf of New Zealanders every day.

"The challenge for this Government is to continue National's commitment to crack down on crime.

"New Zealanders want a Government that is tough on crime and the Labour-Alliance Government are yet to show any sign of delivering on this," Mr Neeson said.

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