Central District fiscal year crime statistics — 2013/2014

For the seventh year in a row crime continues to trend downward in the Central Police District.

Recorded crime statistics released today for the 2013/2014 financial year show that 27,626 offences were recorded in the 12 months from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 compared to 27,812 the previous year. That is a reduction of 186 offences which equates to a decrease of 0.7 percent.

Superintendent Sue Schwalger, Acting Central District Commander says: "We are continuing to develop our initiatives and build on our partnerships to ensure we provide the best service to the communities we protect and serve."

"Our Prevention First strategy is at the heart of everything we do, and it can only be effective if we have partnerships, especially with our communities who play a key role in preventing crime."

Public Place Assaults are at an all time low per head of population since the electronic recording of crime statistics in 1996. Burglary (total) and Robbery recorded offences were also at their lowest levels since 1996.

"With the introduction of mobility devices our presence on the streets and foot patrols has greatly increased to deter opportunistic offenders and target alcohol fuelled offending. This has contributed to a substantial drop in public place assaults. Another factor for the drop is also the efforts from local businesses, Community Patrols, Neighbourhood Support, Maori Wardens, and other agencies that also prevent offending."

Other areas that saw a decrease were:

Acts intended to cause injury — down 4.2 percent or 139 offences
Dangerous or negligent acts endangering persons — down 17.2 percent or 11 offences
Prohibited and regulated weapons and explosive offences — down 8.8 percent or 49 offences
Illicit drug offences — down 14.2 percent or 199 offences
Property damage and environmental pollution — down 3.1 percent or 124 offences

"We experienced an increase of theft offending over this fiscal year and this is an area of concern for us and a continual focus. There are a number of targeted initiatives run across the District to reduce theft and one thing the community can do to help us in this area is to make sure their property is secure and valuables remain out of site especially when it comes to theft from vehicles.

"While our overall resolution rate has dropped slightly we are constantly revising our tactics and striving to improve our resolution rate. However every effort made to reduce victimisation and harm resulting from crime and crashes no matter how small, is vital in achieving safer communities," says Superintendent Schwalger."

ENDS

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