National’s Justice Spokesman Tony Ryall has congratulated the Police on the 5% drop in the crime rate saying National’s commitment to working with the police to reduce crime has paid off.

“Our Police are doing a great job. National’s policies to reduce crime will see a record 7,000 Police on the beat by the middle of this year. Initiatives such as burglary squads and early intervention programmes are now paying off.

“Burglary is down. This proves Mr Hawkins and Mr Goff were misleading New Zealanders last year when they said burglaries were skyrocketing out of control.

“The 17.5% reduction in sexual violation offences is positive but we do need to see an improvement in the rate of solving these crimes.

“The Police Review was all about greater accountability, a greater focus on property crime and devolved district management. These policies were working.

“It is disappointing that Mr Hawkins has been back tracking on the work National has done to reduce crime. New Zealanders want a Government that is tough on crime and we will be putting pressure on the Labour Alliance Government to deliver this,” Mr Ryall said.

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