Large Drop In Recorded Crime In Waitemata

Crime statistics released today show that the crime rate in the Waitematä Police District is at its lowest level in 16 years.

A total of 36,160 offences were recorded in the fiscal year 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 – 2351 fewer offences or a 6.1 percent decrease than in the previous year.

Waitemata’s population rose 1.7 percent in the same period and when this is taken into account, recorded offences per head of population dropped by 7.7 percent per 10,000 people.

Superintendent Bill Searle the Waitematä District Commander says the results are pleasing. They demonstrate the high level focus police have on making a tangible difference in crime prevention and reduction initiatives.

"These positive results are not only testament to the excellent work carried out by Police staff but also other Government, non-Government and Community groups who have collaboratively worked with Police to prevent crime and crashes in the Waitematä District,” he said.

Today’s recorded crime statistics show that:

• Homicide and related offences dropped 91.7 percent from 12 to 1 offence, none of which were murders recorded during the year (down from 6 the previous year). There was one attempted murder.
• Offences against justice procedures and related offences (which includes for example breaches of community based orders and restraining orders) dropped 25 percent from 3179 to 2385 offences.
• Illicit drug offences dropped 19 percent or 441 offences from 2315 to 1874 offences.
• Public Order offences dropped 16.3 percent or 524 offences from 3223 to 2699 offences. Within this category disorderly conduct offending dropped 18.0 percent or 494 offences from 2739 to 2245.
• Prohibited and regulated weapons and explosives offences dropped 13.8 percent – down 93 offences to 580.
• Abduction, harassment and other related offences against the person dropped 10.1 percent from 136 offences to 1210
• Robbery, extortion and related offending went down 14.9 percent or 45 offences to 257
• Family violence related offences dropped 7.8 percent – down 387 offences from 4937 to 4550.

Offences to show increases were:

• Recorded sexual assaults and related offences increased by 41 offences to 313.
• Dangerous or negligent acts endangering persons – rose from 62 to 99 offences, an increase of 37 offences.

“The District carried out a number of operations and initiatives. These have been successful in reducing recorded crime and crashes over the year.”

“Waitematä Police will continue to take an Intelligence driven approach while working with our partners and the community to solve problems and make our communities safer,” Superintendent Searle said.

ENDS:

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