The annual recorded crime statistics released today shows 9% less crime recorded in 2012 from the year before.
The percentage of total crime resolved increased to 43.7%.
38,613 offences were recorded across the Wellington Police District which covers Wellington, the Hutt Valley, Porirua, the Kapiti Coast and the Wairarapa.
Across the Wellington District there were 3,831 fewer offences than in 2011. Wellington City saw the most significant reduction of 1,780 offences followed by the Hutt Valley (1,321), Wairarapa (462) and Kapiti-Mana (268).
Wellington District Commander Superintendent Mike Rusbatch says "The reduction in overall crime is pleasing to see.
"Police across the District are committed to ensuring that all residents can be safe and feel safe. We want to be able to stop crime before it happens.
"For some crime categories we are seeing the lowest number of offences in over 15 years which shows that if we keep working together we can drive down crime.
Public place assaults, robbery and thefts from vehicles are all at the lowest levels since 1996.
Homicide and related offences have increased by 5 since last year to a total of 9 for 2012.
Burglaries across the District were up slightly by 1.4 percent.
A significant 43.8% increase in drug offences was recorded which reflects increased proactive targeting of drug dealers and criminal groups.
Superintendent Mike Rusbatch added "We're working even harder to make sure we have the right staff, at the right location, at the right time so we can prevent people from becoming a victim of a needless crime".
ENDS
The Wellington District Crime Statistics are available on the Police website: www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/resources/crime-statistics/09-wel...
For media queries, please contact Nick Bohm, Wellington Police District Communications Manager on 027 559 2235.