Tony Ryall National Police Spokesman

24 July 2002

Come clean with real crime figures

Labour is refusing to release the latest annual crime statistics which show total crime is up over 2%, says National's Police spokesman, Tony Ryall.

Mr Ryall is calling on the Government to come clean and release the official crime figures for the year ending 30 June.

"We believe the statistics will show that, contrary to the Government's dodgy claims, total crime is up by 2% - the first increase in several years. Violent crime is up to a new record and dishonesty offences are also on the rise. We understand that the reports have already been prepared from the Police computer system.

"You only need to follow media reports to know that crime is up.

"Last week, George Hawkins and Phil Goff presented shonky figures using a selective 10-month period so now I'm challenging them to put out the official crime figures for the year.

"Helen Clark is wrong to claim a record low crime rate. She is now paying the price for being soft on crime.

"Last week's release of provisional figures was a total break from usual policy for the Police Commissioner. Labour should carry on the new approach and release the full year statistics," says Mr Ryall.

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