Total recorded crime has continued to fall in the Bay of Plenty with a 3.5 percent reduction in the year to 30 June 2013 bringing the District crime rate to the lowest ever recorded since electronic records began in 1995.
Figures release today show that a total of 33,658 offences were recorded, down 1228 offences on the previous year.
When taking into account a slight drop-off in population during the same period the actual crime reduction is 3.4 per cent.
The official statistics for the financial year show that two of the four Bay of Plenty Areas recorded crime reductions. Rotorua improved on last year’s 3 percent reduction with a further reduction of 8.1 percent. Likewise Taupo who recorded a 7.4 percent decrease last year, show a 7.7 percent decrease in the latest statistics. Western Bay of Plenty has levelled off after a massive 17.4 percent reduction last year, recording an insignificant increase of 0.3 percent. Eastern Bay of Plenty crime rate increased by 1.3 percent, but the level of increases continues to slow.
Some of the highlights include:
- Homicide and related offences dropped 50 percent from 10 to 5 offences.
- Acts intended to cause injury fell 5.2 percent or 201 offences to 3656
- Unlawful entry with intent/burglary/break and enter dropped 4.1 percent or 211 offences
- Public Order offences dropped 7.1 percent or 273 offences
Robbery rose by 4.5 percent, but that compares to a rise of 21 percent the previous years and equates to an increase of 6 offences in 12 months.
Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Glenn Dunbier said; “It is really heartening to see our crime rate at its lowest ever, but the communities in Bay of Plenty can be assured that there will be no complacency.
“There is always room to improve and we have a police team and partners in the Bay of Plenty motivated to make a difference. We are continuing to work with greater emphasis on preventing crime before it happens, as well as working closely with victims to provide enhanced support and help them avoid to further victimisation.
“We have also seen significant technological changes embedded in recent months, such as the introduction of mobile devices for our frontline staff. We are receiving positive feedback from staff about the effectiveness of this change and we know it is leading to greater visibility. That makes our communities feel safer, it makes criminal feel vulnerable and will hopefully translate to even greater crime reduction in the future.”
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.