A reduction in both burglary and violence offences over the past year, is welcome news for the police and community of Waitakere, Area Police Commander Inspector Mark O'Connor, said today.
Recorded crime statistics just released reveal that in the Waitakere Police Area, the number of burglaries dropped by 6 per cent in the calendar year 2005. A total 18,006 offences were recorded in Waitakere last year, compared with 17,852 in 2004.
The number of grievous and serious assaults, robberies and sexual attacks reported in the past year has also reduced.
"These reductions are pleasing, and are the result of hard work by Police staff providing enhanced response and increased patrolling activity, in high risk areas," Inspector O'Connor said.
"It is the second consecutive year that reductions in these types of offences have been recorded in Waitakere," Inspector O'Connor said.
"Police progress has been achieved through enhanced levels of quality intelligence analysis, the priority given to scene of crime response, and the daily professionalism of dedicated Police investigators."
"Police have existing partnerships with Waitakere City Council to create safer environments, especially with the rebuilding of Central Business Districts in Henderson.
"A Crime Prevention through Environmental Design [CPTED] approach has been taken. This reduces opportunities for offending to occur, and thereby creates a safer environment for everyone," he said.
"Another valuable initiative that is proving worthwhile is where Police, Probation, and Courts are now working in partnership to reduce the offending rates of high risk people on bail, or failing to appear on their Court day."
"It is disappointing that we have had an 11 per cent increase in car crime offences."
"Waitakere Police in partnership with the Waitakere City Council and other partners, are constantly working to reduce this type of offending. Recent initiatives already proven in the United Kingdom include more secure number plate bolts."
"Increased liaison with Park Rangers, Surf Life Savers, and enhanced car park security in the remote areas of the Waitakere, are among further initiatives being developed."
"Crimes such as these can be reduced. The public need to become more aware of how to protect their valuables. One simple act of removing items from parked vehicles will prevent opportunist criminals from committing these types of offences."
"Waitakere is part of a wider Policing District that includes North Shore, Rodney, and Auckland Metro Road Policing."
"The NSWR Police District has recorded a 0.2 per cent reduction in recorded crime in the past calendar year, and it is also pleasing to note that the rate of crime resolution remains at a consistently high level."
"Waitakere Police look forward to continuing their high quality service to the local community in the year ahead. The rapidly growing population in Waitakere can be reassured of the continued commitment by all police staff," Inspector Mark O'Connor said.