With the largest drop in reported crime since 1999/2000 being recorded for Fiscal Year 2012/2013 the Waikato's Police commander said his staff and the community as a whole, has a lot to be proud of but, there is still work to be done.
District Commander, Superintendent Win van der Velde, said with a 12% reduction in crime recorded there was a potential for 4,203 less victims across the Waikato.
"Hamilton City achieved an 11.9% reduction in crime or 2436 less potential victims, the Eastern Waikato achieved a 11.8% reduction in crime or 901 less potential victims and the Western Waikato achieved a 12.6% reduction or 866 less potential victims.
"These are the best crime figures recorded since Fiscal year 2004/2005 and when you put this beside 77% of people having full or very high trust and confidence in Police it looks like the new strategies put in place are putting the Waikato on the right track."
In terms of offences types drug offences dropped by 40% and robbery and extortion related offences by nearly 32%.
Homicide related offences dropped by 25% while sexual assaults dropped by 17%. Recorded offences for theft dropped by 15%, unlawful entry with intent/ burglary reduced by 9% and there were 7% less acts intended to cause injury recorded against the District.
"Dishonesty offences however, still account for close to 50% of total crime reported in the Waikato yet by working together there is so much more that Police and the community can do to reverse this trend.
"By getting to know your neighbours, joining Neighbourhood or Rural Support Groups, recording the serial numbers and images of your valuables on the Operation SNAP database or utilising the anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 we can all make a difference.
But one of the simplest methods was also one of the most important said Mr van de Velde, if you see something then do something- ring 111.
"Doing this in a timely manner rather that simply reporting a crime after it's happened enables Police to be in the right place at the right time to prevent offending occurring. Where crime has occurred, we are also very reliant on the eyes and ears of the Community to help us hold those responsible to account.
"We saw this last month where in three separate occasions people saw people acting suspiciously and rang 111, responding officers were then able to locate several teenagers and arrest them, in some cases even before property owners were aware they had been victims."
Mr van der Velde said by taking these simple steps the public could help Police in addressing the one particular area of concern outlined in the Fiscal Year Crime Statistics report, resolution rates.
"Though the resolution rate of 45.7% is up from last year's figure of 45.3% its not enough. With the Police introducing prevention first and victim focused strategies we need to embrace all avenues available to us as a community to turn the tide of offending and hold offenders to account.
"Again, by informing Police of suspicious activity or offending in a timely and accurate manner you make a real difference in protecting your community. Under the Prevention First strategy your Police officers are utilising new technologies to ensure they are out and about in the right locations, longer, preventing crime and keeping the Waikato a safe place to live, visit and do business in."
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