Labour = Violent Crime

ACT New Zealand Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today expressed outrage that - after four years of Labour governance, spin and excuses - violent crime has skyrocketed a shocking 28.2 percent since 1999.

"Crime statistics released today show that violent crime is accelerating at a phenomenal rate:

• Grievous Assault: up 28.2 percent

• Robbery: up 18.2 percent

• Serious Assault: up 12.1 percent

"Overall, violent crime has soared 14.9 percent under Labour's so-called leadership - from 39,688 violent offences in 1999, to 45,614 in 2003.

"Today, Police Minister George Hawkins and his colleagues will revert to the same old spin of resolution rates, and offences per head of population, to try to convince the public that Labour is not failing to keep them safe - when, in reality, it is.

"A fundamental role of any government is the maintenance of law and order. These figures are an indictment on Labour, and prove to all that this is a government that is shirking its duty to the very people that elected it to office.

"The bottom line here is that this Government has failed. It has steadfastly arrogantly ignored overwhelming public concern over rising violent crime. Under Labour's stewardship, not only is the situation worse now than when it first took office, but it is only set to deteriorate," Dr Newman said.

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