The Crime statistics for the calendar year ended 31 December 2007 show a small increase (1.2%) compared to the 2006 year. Total offences increased by 120 offences from 9694 to 9814.
The increase is attributed to Southland Police targeting particular categories of offending said the Area Commander, Inspector Tony O'Neill.
Family violence is a focus of attention by Police and partner agencies. To deter recidivist offenders Police have charged offenders with appropriate offences that reflect the level of violence used in the relationship. This has skewed the statistics in violent offending (increased by 195 offences: 1063-1258) but it has resulted in an overall 8% decrease in recorded recidivist family violence incidents.
Continued attention by Police to improve behaviour standards in the Invercargill central business district led to an increase in drugs, anti-social offending (increased by 299 offences: 1402-1701).
Southland Police are also targeting offenders that breach Court orders. This led to an increase in Administrative offences (increased by 80 offences 319-399).
The overall resolution rate of 49.9% is indicative of the strong support Police are getting from partner agencies and the Southland community.
In the rural stations reductions in crime were recorded in:
Lumsden (155-128)
Riverton (189-172)
Tapanui (99-46)
Te Anau (293-223)
Winton (311-240)
Full details of the 2007 calendar year statistics are available at www.stats.govt.nz
For further details contact:
Inspector Tony O'Neill
027 2272815
ENDS