Recorded crime falls in Bay of Plenty District

Total recorded crime fell 4.8 percent in the Bay of Plenty for the 12 months ending 30 June 2011.

Figures released today show that a total of 38,175 offences were recorded, a decrease of 4.8 percent or 1904 offences down on the previous year.

Bay of Plenty’s resident population rose 1.1 percent in the same period and when this is taken into account, the total crime rate dropped 5.8 percent.

The official crime statistics for the financial year period show that three of the four Bay of Plenty Police Areas also had decreases in crime, with Rotorua seeing a decrease of 5.6 per cent, Taupo with a decrease of 3.8 per cent and Western Bay of Plenty with a decrease of 8.8 per cent. The Eastern Bay of Plenty Area saw an increase of 7.8 per cent per cent – or an increase of 150 reported crimes. This was down on an 11.3 per cent increase in the previous period.

The District Commander of the Bay of Plenty District, Superintendent Glenn Dunbier, says today’s figures show inroads in some key crime areas, but also reflect ongoing work to be done.

Some of the highlights include:

• Homicide and related offences dropped from 18 to 8 offences. Within this category there were two recorded murders (down from 11 the previous year), three manslaughter/driving causing death, and three attempted murder.
• Acts intending to cause injury dropped 2.5 percent or 109 offences to 4221
• Abduction, harassment and other related offences against a person dropped 5.4 percent or 65 offences to 1135
• Robbery, extortion and related offences dropped 39.6 percent or 72 offences to 110
• Fraud, deception and related offences fell 18.1 percent or 171 offences to 774 offences
• Prohibited and regulated weapons and explosives offences dropped 8.4 percent to 706
• Property damage and environmental pollution offences dropped 8.1 percent or 434 offences
• Public Order offences dropped 12.3 percent or 658 offences to 4693
• Offences against Justice related offences dropped 4.7 percent – down from 1958 to 1866 offences
• Family violence dropped 1.6 percent – down 84 from 5322 to 5238.
"In the past 18 months we have placed a high focus on our victims, and a particular emphasis on our most vulnerable people, including children and those subject to violence, including family violence. This focus will continue in the future."

Superintendent Dunbier says he is pleased to see a decrease in disorder, with tools such as liquor bans having a positive impact on policing in CBDs.

The three crime divisions to increase were:

• Sexual assaults and related offences – rose 77 offences to 297
• Dangerous or negligent acts endangering persons – rose 14.1 percent from 64 to 73 offences
• Unlawful entry with intent/burglary/break and enter – rose 10.7 percent or 546 offences to 5653.
"Burglary remains a priority area for us, and there are key initiatives underway across the District in an effort to address burglary offending, including truancy programmes, SNAP (serial number action partnership) and working with electronics retailers to provide safety information to their customers.

"We expect these initiatives to make a positive impact on burglaries across the board."

Superintendent Dunbier says there has been a drop in the number of family violence offences coming to police attention.

“We know, however, that family violence is under reported and encourage people to tell us about it.

"Family violence is still not okay, and we need every member of the community to work with Police and other agencies to help reduce the incidents of family violence. If you or someone you know needs help, please call your local Police or you can provide information anonymously through the independent Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111."

A copy of the Bay of Plenty Police District Fiscal Crime Statistics for 2010/11 is available on the Police website http://www.police.govt.nz/crime-statistics-fiscal-year-ending-30-june-2011

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