Police Minister, George Hawkins, says an Audit Office report out today confirms that the Police are on the right track in the fight against burglary.

"The report recognises that police are achieving excellent results, and makes suggestions that will ensure we see the success continue," said Mr Hawkins.

Key issues addressed in the report include information gathering and use; evaluation of the effectiveness of strategies and techniques; use of technology and crime prevention.

"We have kept our word and, working in partnership with the Police and the community, we have made burglary a priority.

"This government is spending more on the Police than any government in New Zealand's history, and the extra resources are making a difference.

Law Enforcement teams focussed on burglary, crime-mapping technology, preventative programmes like Youth at Risk, the government expectation of improved response times, have all made a difference. The recently announced target-hardening programme and upcoming legislation that will allow police to make wider use of DNA technology are also expected to make a big impact.

Mr Hawkins said the latest crime statistics show encouraging results for domestic burglary, including:
„h 125 fewer residential burglaries every week than in 99/00
„h 17.3% of home burglaries resolved, up from 10% two years ago.

"By coming down hard on burglary the Police are sending a clear message that it is not worth embarking on a criminal career. I agree with National's police spokesperson, Tony Ryall, who said in March that if we can catch burglars, and turn them around early, we can prevent a lot of other crime further down the track," said Mr Hawkins.

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