In the last two years recorded crime in Central District has fallen by more than 6% and is now at its lowest level since 2004 per head of population. The number of offences resolved is also steadily increasing and is significantly above the national average.
Crime statistics released today show that the District continued its downward trend with another 3.8% decrease in recorded crime in the 12 months ending 31 December 2010. This builds on a 2.8% drop in recorded crime during 2009. Central District Police now records 15,000 fewer offences than the late 1990's.
The statistics also show that that the resolution rate has been rising in recent years with people held to account for more than half of the offences committed during 2010 (50.6%). This significantly bucks the national trend which experienced a slight drop in 2010 to 47.5%.
Central District Commander, Superintendent Russell Gibson said: "This is a superb result, and a result that makes me very proud of my staff."
Most crime categories saw a decrease with dishonesty offences falling for the fourth consecutive year and vehicle crime being at its lowest level since records began.
Although low level disorder increased slightly during 2010 (0.7%) it has levelled out considerably compared to 2009.
"I view the low level disorder as 'good cholesterol'," said District Commander Russell Gibson. "Over the last couple of years we have a much greater emphasis on pushing more staff onto the streets at the right times and better coordinating resources. I expected as a result to identify more incidents of alcohol-fuelled behaviour, but it has also enabled us to take a much harder line and nip the more minor offending in the bud before it has a chance to escalate to more serious offending. The fact that the disorder is now levelling out and public assaults have fallen, I believe is indicative of our proactive and preventative stance.
"This extends into the home where we are continuing to deal with family violence as criminal matters and have seen the numbers of these offences also level out. Any family violence is not acceptable, but I believe the combination of national advertising along with the work of the Police and community agencies to actively prevent family violence and repeat offending is having a tangible impact."
Note: The Central Police District incorporates the Territorial Local Authorities of New Plymouth, Stratford, South Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitikei, Ruapehu, Manawatu, Tararua, Palmerston North and Horowhenua. Policing services in the District are managed by six Area Commanders who will be providing more detailed information on the crime statistics from their Area perspective.
Area Contacts are:
New Plymouth - Inspector Blair Telford - 06 759 5501
Taranaki Rural (Hawera) - Inspector Frank Grant - 06 278 0286
Whanganui - Inspector Duncan Macleod - 06 349 0634
Ruapehu (Taumarunui) - Inspector Steve Mastrovich - 07 895 5744
Palmerston North - Inspector Pat Handcock - 06 351 3836
Palmerston North Rural - Acting Inspector Brett Calkin - 06 351 2531
District media enquiries should be Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.