Tony Ryall National Police Spokesman

9 April 2001

Robbery, violence, sex attacks up

The latest crime statistics show why New Zealanders are feeling less secure on the streets and in their homes, National's Police spokesman Tony Ryall said today.

"December 2000 crime statistics released today show big increases in crimes against people. Violent offences are up 4.7%, including a 12.2% increase in robbery, and sexual offences are up 9.5%, compared to decreases of 1.9% and 8.1% in 1999 respectively.

"There were almost 37 more violent offences and about 6 more sexual offences every week in the first year under the Labour-Alliance Government. That's 43 more victims of crimes against people every week. This isn't property, these are real people.

"Non-cannabis drug offences are up 26.2%. This shows that the methamphetamine and designer drug problem is much bigger than the Government actually thinks.

"The decrease in burglary is good news but old news. It will be difficult to maintain the momentum in decreasing property crime when police numbers are still being cut.

"What these latest figures show is that cuts to frontline policing mean crime against people is going up and that's why New Zealanders are feeling less secure on the streets and in their homes," Mr Ryall said.

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