Official police statistics show that violent crime in New Zealand is at its highest level in history, yet the Government says 'New Zealand is a more secure place to be', National's Police spokesman Tony Ryall said today.

Violent offences per 10,000 population have risen to 108.2 - a 4.5% increase taking it to the highest level ever (see attached).

"Clearly the Government is losing the war on violent crime and they refuse to even acknowledge that.

"Police crime statistics were released on the 9th of April and the Minister had these at least a week before then.

"It's now clear that when the Police Minister told Sunday News readers on the 15th of April that 'New Zealand is a more secure place to be' he had known for at least a fortnight that violent crime is the highest in New Zealand's history.

"In fact, under Labour New Zealand is a less secure place to be. Police cuts mean the likelihood of being bashed, mugged or attacked is higher than ever before.

"Hawkins' latest gaffe comes only a week after he told Parliament that convicted rapist Colin McLean couldn't be suspended without pay even though he knew that McLean had already been suspended without pay," Mr Ryall said.

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