Police Management say reported crime in Rodney has increased in 2006.
Police Commander Inspector Janet HOPE says in the past calendar year Rodney has recorded an increase in reported crime of 19.8% from 5970 offences in 2005 to 7155 offences in 2006.
"While any increase in crime is a concern, these latest statistics need to be viewed in the context of a rising population growth, and the impact of a proactive Policing approach in response to community concerns," Inspector HOPE said.
"Overall resolution rates for crime in Rodney recorded a slight increase on the previous year (0.1%) at 47.6%. In the context of increased reported crime this equates to an increase of 505 offences solved."
"Violence increased in Rodney by 129 offences. Of these a total of 111 were Family Violence offences. This reflects the emphasis that Police and Community groups are placing on Family Violence in our Area."
Inspector HOPE says there were also recorded increases in New Drugs, Disorder and Destruction of Property crime.
"A reduction of 3% (31 offences) was achieved in the total number of burglaries reported, which includes both residential and commercial properties. The rapid pace of residential and commercial development continues to provide challenges to Police staff and the community in terms of reducing crime."
"Rodney Area reports an increase in the number of Methamphetamine clandestine laboratories detected, rising from 17 in 2005 to 21 in 2006."
Commander HOPE says the increase in detection of these labs in Rodney can be attributed to good proactive work by Police staff supported by excellent reporting of incidents by the community.
"There's been a clear message from the Community that anti social behaviour, which includes alcohol related offences, disorder and graffiti is a real concern and Rodney Police has duly responded."
"The increased reporting is simply due to increased apprehensions. Apprehensions for disorder offending are up by 54% on last year and 38% higher for property damage."
"Enforcement of Methamphetamine laboratories and alcohol legislation has also increased. Four more labs have been detected this year. This reflects the national trend for illicit drug manufacturers to move to rural locations where there's a wide perception that there is less likelihood of detection," she said.
"There has also been a 28% increase in the detection of drug offences that are not methamphetamine related and on alcohol enforcement in the 2006 year."
The Rodney Police Commander said, ' I am very aware of the impact that alcohol and drugs have on community safety and I will continue to maintain a strong focus on this offending."
"In conjunction with the Rodney District Council the existing Liquor Ban in Orewa has now been extended to Red Beach and Whangaparaoa. Operation OK has targeted disorder and anti-social behaviour activity, while Graffiti offenders on the Hibiscus Coast were targeted, identified, apprehended and prosecuted. Quality information received from the local community was a key factor in the success of this operation."
"Ensuring Rodney roads remain safe continues to be a priority for Police and with the support of ACC plus the Rodney District Council; police have maintained a high profile on state highways and arterial routes. A further road policing campaign is to be launched in the near future."
"Rodney Police are continuing to work with key stakeholders in the community and other government agencies to provide a quality Police service. We are all fully committed to increasing the level of trust and confidence the community has in the Police so that we maintain Rodney as one of the safest communities in the country," Inspector HOPE said.