Canterbury Police District stats Calendar year 2004
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The Canterbury Police results for the last calendar year show total reported crime is down by over two thousand offences. This combined with a 3% increase in the resolution rate are the pleasing features of the crime statistics. There are important reductions in several key areas, particularly in dishonesty offending, says acting District Commander, Malcolm Burgess.
(Total crime 2003=50807, 2004=48674).
These reductions and the improved resolution rate can be attributed to targeted enforcement and investigations. "There has been a sustained proactive approach on targeted areas and groups through directed patrols and bail and curfew checks. Area staff and investigation teams have successfully targeted known offenders who commit much of this crime," says Detective Superintendent Burgess. "Their work and the vigilance of the community have resulted in some significant crime reductions."
All burglary reduced by 7.6% (2003=7128, 2004=6585)
Residential burglary reduced by 6.5% (2003=4730, 2004=4423),
Theft ex car has reduced 17.2 % (2003=8245, 2004=6821)
Car Conversion reduced 10.6% (2003=5,430, 2004=4,857).
Less satisfying is a district wide increase in violence compared to last year. Violent offences increased by 500 offences in total, with the bulk of the increase in Southern area and Mid-South Canterbury. Christchurch Central, which had historically been the area of most concern, had an increase of just 32 offences for the year.
Violence increased (2003=3734, 2004=4236).
"We are looking at these results to identify where increases have occurred and what is driving them. While violent crime has not reached the peaks that it has in some other years, we want to act sooner rather than later to prevent that happening. Our early analysis suggests the increases are in threatening behaviour and reports of family violence," says Malcolm Burgess.
More pleasing was the reduction in sexual attacks. These attacks decreased 24.3% (2003=301, 2004=228) with the resolution rate increasing 11.3% from 39.5% to 50.9% which was another pleasing result. "The challenge is to maintain these results while seeking improvements in those areas where we are less effective."
One area where Police welcomed an increase in crime was the 40.3% increase in administrative and liquor ban breaches.
"We expect increased activity in this area to pay off in reduced levels of violent and sexual crime. That seems to be the trend in the inner city and one we are happy to see continue."
In Road Policing, 2004 saw the continued enforcement of crash promoting behaviours on Canterbury roads. As a result we had the second lowest number of fatalities on our roads in nearly 30 years. Forty people died compared with a previous three year average of 45, 239 people received serious injuries compared to a previous three year average of 287.
"These results show the enforcement of offences, such as speeding and failure to wear seatbelts, leads to fewer people dying or being injured on Canterbury roads."
"Overall the statistics confirm that Canterbury continues to be a safe community in which to live. To have achieved a reduction in total crime, against an increase in population is a credit to Police and the community," says Detective Superintendent Burgess.
"It is important to acknowledge that Police do not achieve these results on their own. I want to acknowledge the excellent work of groups such as Neighbourhood Support, Community Watch and other volunteers, who give their energy and commitment to reduce crime."