Crime statistics released today show that Auckland City Police had a 3 percent increase in recorded crime in the year ending 31 December 2009 - less than the overall national increase of 4.64 percent.
The number of recorded offences went up from 54,928 to 56,596 while the City District's crime resolution rate was down slightly to 38% in the same period.
The numbers of some types of offences in the District have increased, while others have fallen. The largest increases were in the Property Damage (up 14%), Violence (up 8%), and Dishonesty (up 3%) offence categories. The biggest reduction was in the Administrative category, which was down 12.5% compared to 2008.
The 14% increase in Property Damage offences was driven by a 16% increase in Wilful Damage in the city.
"Half the Property Damage increase can be directly attributed to the ease with which victims can now report offences to Police over the 'phone via the dedicated Crime Reporting Line, where before they would have had to have gone to a Police Station to report in person," Relieving District Commander Superintendent Brett England said.
"This means we're getting a more complete picture of the level of such offending through providing a better reporting service to the public."
Dishonesty offences increased by 3% in the same period. These offences include Receiving, which increased by 26%, Car Conversion, which increased by 8% and Theft, which increased by 5%. However, these increases were partially offset by Fraud offences, which dropped by 15%.
"The District's Organised Crime Group ran a very successful investigation into the theft and illegal export of hundreds of Toyota Hiace vans and parts and the results are reflected in the Dishonesty crime category," Mr England said.
The increase in the total number of recorded Violence offences has been driven entirely by an increase in recorded family violence.
Auckland City District's results are consistent with the national picture, where we continue to see significant increases in recorded family violence offences since the national roll-out of training to all front-line staff in family violence investigation and risk assessment.
Also, continued media campaigns over recent years encourage less community tolerance of family violence.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz