Total Recorded crime in the Eastern Police District dropped from 24,657 for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003, to 23,647 offences for the period 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 – the lowest in 10 years.
"This is a drop of 1010 offences over 12 months which means less victims, less heartache, less crime" said District Commander, Superintendent Grant Nicholls.
Not only did recorded crime in the District decrease by 4% but the resolution rate for all investigations improved by 2% to 52%.
This is the lowest crime rate and the highest resolution rate in 10 years for the Eastern Police District.
Superintendent Nicholls said although reported crime was at its lowest in 10 years there is still room for improvement.
He attributed these latest results to a number of factors, including the hard work and dedication of police staff, the combined efforts of Government Departments, local councils, volunteer organisations, Neighbourhood Support and public support.
He said "Committed Police staff are focused on reducing crime and road trauma in the District".
Napier experienced the largest reduction in reported crime falling by 8% followed by Hastings with a 5% reduction. Gisborne experienced an increase in reported crime of 2% but had the highest resolution rate of 55%.
Superintendent Nicholls said recorded violence was too high in the District despite a 17% reduction in violent offending in Napier. Gisborne experienced a 12% increase in reported violence and Hastings a 1% increase.
Gisborne area (which includes Wairoa) violence, in part can be attributed to gang activity in the area, which has been policed effectively by local staff.
The District experienced a 5% increase in reported burglary up from 1765 offences to 1854 – a total of 89 offences. He encouraged the public to carefully consider their home security in terms of burglar alarms, locks and continue to report suspicious activity in the neighbourhood to Police.
Car theft and conversion decreased by 23% down by 250 offences from 1088 to 838.
The theft of items from cars also fell, down 18% in Gisborne, 2% in Hastings and 17% in Napier.
This is a particularly pleasing result, however car thieves are still active in the District. Police encourage the public to remove valuable items from their cars, ensure they are locked when unattended and consider installing such devices as immobilisers, steering locks and alarms.
Superintendent Nicholls said the results were very pleasing with Police, Key Partners and Public working together to reduce criminal offending in the community.
He said the chances of a criminal getting caught were increasing, evident by the increase in crimes solved by Police.
The Eastern District Crime and Crash Reduction Intelligence Model (e-CRIM) is assisting in tasking Police to risk and allowing a more proactive approach to policing the District and reducing offender opportunity."
Superintendent Nicholls said "The latest results show some encouraging trends. As we progress through the year, we are in a strong position to continue improvements and reduce criminal offending even further".
For local comment and releases please contact:
Gisborne Area Commander
Inspector Waata Shepherd
Telephone: 869-0200
Hastings Area Commander
Inspector Dean Clifford
Telephone: 873-0522
Napier Area Commander
Inspector Kevin Kalff
Telephone: 831-0700