Simon Power National Party Law & Order Spokesman

4 April 2006

Labour has head in sand over violent crime

The Labour Government continues to have its head stuck in the sand over the increasing level of violent crime, says National's Law & Order spokesman, Simon Power.

He is commenting on answers to questions in the House today by Police Minister Annette King on the 2005 crime statistics.

"Annette King today adopted Labour's usual tactic of trying to ignore facts that don't suit them.

"Unfortunately, the facts she is ignoring relate to violent crime, which is seriously on the increase.

"Violent crime rose 6.9% last year - the biggest rise in any single year since 2000 - and has now risen 16%, to 48,337 offences a year, since 2000.

"Grievous assaults are up 41% since 2000, with last year's increase of 13% the biggest single jump since 2000, and serious assaults are up 17% since 2000, with last year's increase the biggest in any year since 2000.

"Last year, homicides rose 27%, intimidation and threats 11%, and robberies 12%.

"These figures make a joke of Labour's promises to reduce crime.

"These are crimes against people, and this Government has failed, in six years, to get on top of the problem.

"It is failing to deliver safer communities," says Mr Power.

ENDS

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