Official crime statistics released today show crime in the Bay of Plenty District is continuing to fall.
Bay of Plenty Police District Commander Superintendent Glenn Dunbier says recorded crime for the 2012 calendar year is down by 7.1 percent.
"Taupo Area has seen the biggest drop in recorded crime during this period, down by 13.1 percent, followed by Western Bay of Plenty, which is down by 10.8 percent."
Rotorua fell by 4.7 percent and although Eastern Bay of Plenty had a slight increase in recorded crime, the level of increase is tracking down with a 4.3 per cent in 2012, compared to a 8.2 percent increase in 2011.
The categories across the District where recorded offences fell the most during the 2012 calendar year include homicide and related offences (down 50 per cent), abduction, harassment and other related offences against a person (down 19.9 per cent) and unlawful entry with intent/burglary, break and enter (down by 13.5 per cent).
"It's heartening to see burglary and related offences down on the previous year. Preventing burglaries, and in turn, preventing residents from becoming victims of crime, remains one of the key priorities within this District."
Superintendent Dunbier says, "Police across the Bay of Plenty remain committed to preventing crime before it occurs, through our Prevention First operating strategy. This means putting victims at the heart of policing, preventing crime before it occurs, to ensure all residents can be safe and feel safe."
He says illicit drug offences are up by 6 per cent on the previous year. This is a positive result and can be attributed to the concerted effort we have continued to place on organised criminals operating within the Bay of Plenty. We have significantly disrupted the criminal fraternity with our targeted approach, particularly in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Glenn Dunbier says, "I'm proud of the work of staff throughout the District who remain committed to keeping our communities safe. Their hard work is reflected in these positive crime statistics released today."
At a national level, recorded crime continues to drop with recorded offences dropping by 7.4 per cent in 2012, compared to 2011.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.