The public are now seeing the results of Labour’s insistence that petty property crimes receive priority, said ACT Leader, Hon Richard Prebble.

“Serious crimes are not being solved.

“New Zealand Police are today investigating a record 36 murders. There are more unsolved murders than ever before.

“Police are waiting for a record 140 forensic results from serious crimes.

“Under George Hawkins Policing, if you have your underwear stolen off the clothes line the Police will come in 24 hours, but if your family is murdered by strangers, you are less likely to have the crime solved.

“So New Zealand has never been so dangerous,” said Hon Richard Prebble.

THE FACTS

 337 Police are currently investigating 36 homicide inquiries.  Police are awaiting forensic results for 140 serious crimes.  Environmental Science and Research are near exhaustion.  Queensland Police are visiting next week to recruit New Zealand Police

 The Police have only recruited and trained 424 new officers since last year, down from 692 in 1998.  There are 19 unsolved murders since 1988, 7 in the last two years.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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