Waitemata Police District - District Crime Statistics - Fiscal Year 2008-09

Waitematä Police District's total recorded crime in the 12 months ending 30 June 2009 reveals a small increase compared to previous year.

The crime statistics released today show an increase of 3.9% in recorded crime for the year ending 30 June 2009 compared to the previous year. This equates to a 2.5% increase per head of population, as Waitematä's population has also risen over the same period.

Waitematä Police resolved just over 53% of recorded offences in the year ended 30 June 2009, up slightly from the previous year, and is above the national average of 48%.

Within the total volume of recorded crime, some types of offences have increased, whilst others have decreased.

The largest increases were in Drugs and Antisocial offences (up 7%), Dishonesty offences (up 7%) and Administrative offences (up 27%), where a concentrated effort has been made to hold offenders accountable for breaches of Judicial Orders. There was a small (less than 1%) reduction in Violence offences in the 2008/09 fiscal year, along with reductions in Property Damage and Property Abuse offences (down 8% and 15% respectively).

Waitematä District Commander Superintendent Bill Searle observes, “these figures reflect a population adjusted 2.5% increase in overall reported crime which is in line with expectations. It is pleasing to see a small reduction in overall violence, a reduction in robbery offending, intimidation and threats but disappointing to see an increase in dishonesty offending. We believe that the increase in dishonesty offending in part reflects the poor economic situation in the District over the last year.”

Despite the slight overall reduction in Violence offences, Waitematä has experienced an increase in Serious Assaults (up 4%) and Grievous Assaults (up 12%), and there were 7 Homicides compared with 3 last year. There were reductions in Robbery (down 7%), Intimidation and Threats (down 6%) and Minor Assaults (down 1.5%).

“Within the slight reduction in overall violent offending there has been an increase in the level of violence. Reported Family Violence also increased in the last fiscal year. Whereas I am pleased that more victims of family violence are prepared to make reports to police, any increase in family violence, especially repeat Family Violence is always of concern to us."

“We focused significant resources to family violence investigation and prevention in the last financial year and will continue to in the coming year. An example of this commitment is in Waitakere where a problem solving team with five staff have been assigned to specifically focus on families and offenders who are repeatedly involved in family violence.”

The increase in Drugs and Antisocial offences in Waitematä has been driven largely by Drugs offences, in particular, Cannabis offences which have increased by over 32% compared to last year. Disorder offences and offences relating to Breaches of Local Body Liquor bans have decreased slightly in the 2008/09 Fiscal Year in Waitematä.

“Drug offending and organised crime is one of the priority areas for the District. The increase in drugs and antisocial offending is in part a reflection of our increased emphasis in this area. We have particularly focused on methamphetamine offending which will continue to be a focus in the coming year. Police in the District are working closely with the Waitakere, North Shore and Rodney Councils to reduce the levels of violence and disorder in our communities.”

“A vigorous approach to the enforcement of Liquor bans and bail breaches has given District Police greater ability to prevent more serious offending,” Superintendent Searle said.

Dishonesty offences increased, with increases in Burglary (up 12%), Car Conversion (up 6%) and Theft (up 4.5%). There was a small (less than 1%) reduction in Fraud offences in the same period.

“The increase in burglary is consistent with trends nationwide and we believe that the increase in part reflects the poor economic situation in the District over the last year.” The District has successfully completed several operations focused on burglary in the past year resulting in the apprehension of a large number of offenders, and having a noticeable impact on burglary trends..”

“It’s disappointing that road fatalities in the District markedly increased. This is also consistent with national trends. The public can expect to see a high police presence on all roads, highways, and motorways and they can expect to be stopped and breath tested.”

“I formally acknowledge the commitment all my staff. We are determined to work with other Government, non government and community groups to make our communities safer.” Superintendent Bill Searle said.

ENDS:

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