Central Police District is hailing a 6.7 percent reduction in recorded crime.
Statistics released today show that 30,266 offences were recorded in the 12 months from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011. That is a reduction of 2,164 offences which equates to a decrease of 6.7%. The District's resident population rose 0.7% during the reporting period and when this is taken into account the reduction in crime rate for Central District is 7.3%.
The District saw the biggest reduction in crime on the North Island and recorded an increase in resolution rate – up from 50.7 percent to 53.7 percent.
District Commander Superintendent Russell Gibson said: "I am particularly pleased with in-roads we have made in relation to those offences that have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of ordinary hard-working people. We have seen notable decreases in burglaries, thefts and wilful damage.
"This shows that the preventative work we are doing around alcohol and repeat offenders is really paying dividends and we are shutting down their opportunities to commit crime.
“Police throughout the District are doing a great job, and we also credit the volunteers who are by our sides for much of this work. The Maori Wardens, Community Patrols and Neighbourhood Support are our unsung heroes who operate as our eyes and ears seven days a week, 24 hours a day and have played a significant role in these superb results."
Highlights for Central District were:
• Unlawful entry with intent/Burglary/Break and enter - down 5.9% or 282 offences
• Theft and related offences - down 4.2% or 391 offences
• Property damage and environmental pollution - down 17.9% or 972 offences
• Fraud, deception and related offences - down 21.8% or 178 offences
• Illicit drug offences - down 8.6% or 156 offences
• Robbery, extortion and related offences - down 14.7% or 23 offences
• Weapons and explosive and related offences - down 9.6% or 55 offences
• Public order offences - down 2.4% or 74 offences
• Acts intended to cause injury - down 3.3% or 124 offences.
Area Contacts are:
New Plymouth - Inspector Blair Telford - 06 759 5501
Taranaki Rural (Hawera) - Inspector Frank Grant - 06 278 0286
Whanganui - Inspector Sue Schwalger - 06 349 0634
Ruapehu (Taumarunui) - Inspector Steve Mastrovich - 07 895 5744
Palmerston North - Inspector Pat Handcock - 06 351 3836
Palmerston North Rural - Inspector Mark Harrison - 06 351 2531
District media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.