The Acting Police Commander for Rodney, Inspector Troy Nicholson said today, that a small increase in reported crime in the past year was to be expected, given the rapid population growth being experienced in the area.
"In the 2005 calendar year a total of 5970 offences were recorded in the Rodney area. Statistically, this equates to a 4.48 per cent increase on 2004, when there were 5714 offences recorded," he said.
"There is a population of over 90,000 living in the Rodney Area. It is currently growing at a rate of 3.0 per cent per annum. An increasing population can be a catalyst to providing more opportunities for offending to occur."
"Some excellent work has been achieved by our staff with 45.8 per cent of the recorded offences resolved by Rodney Police. This is consistent with other areas in the North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney District," said Inspector Nicholson.
"Significant decreases in reported offences included serious assaults, sexual attacks, and Sale of Liquor Act offences."
"These decreases can be attributed to more high profile patrols being deployed around risk areas, targeting gatherings of youth, and strictly enforcing liquor bans ensuring that small incidents do not escalate," he said.
"Burglary increased by 16 per cent in 2005 with 931 offences compared to 804 offences recorded in 2004. The main driver of this increase was that the offences were carried out in the rural areas of West Rodney, in some very isolated locations."
"Rural communities need to be aware of the need for tighter security in locations that are out of view from the road or neighbours. A number of the rural burglary offences could easily be prevented by rural residents locking their houses, garages and sheds when they leave their property or are engaged elsewhere on their property."
"Rodney is part of a wider Policing District that includes North Shore, Waitakere, and Auckland Metro Road policing."
"The NSWR Police District has recorded a 0.2 per cent reduction in reported crime in the past calendar year, and it is also pleasing to note that the rate of crime resolution remains at a consistently high level."
"In the Rodney Police area we are committed to targeting our resources to risk and we are focused on reducing offending in 2006," Inspector Troy Nicholson said.
"With the help of the community and support of key partners, Rodney Police will ensure that offenders are brought swiftly to justice, and that the community can continue to enjoy the wonderful environment that the Rodney Area provides," he said.