The release of the 2007 calendar year statistics show a significant increase in violence offending in the Dunedin and Clutha local authority areas.
Recorded violence has increased 10.2% in 2007 compared with the previous calendar year. Violence offences rose 166 offences from 1631 to 1797. Most of the increase was domestic related violence.
"National domestic violence awareness campaigns may well have led to an increase in reporting rather than an actual increase in offending", said the area commander, Inspector Dave Campbell.
"We know that a lot of domestic violence goes unreported but advertising campaigns such as "It's not OK" may well have encouraged more victims to come forward and report their abuse to police" Mr Campbell said.
Non domestic related violence increased about 4% over the year.
Total violence increased by 46 offences or 9.9% in central Dunedin, 52 offences or 59.1% in Mosgiel and 57offences or 34.8% in North Dunedin. "Reported violence continues to trend upwards and has been doing so for many years and the liberalisation of the liquor laws has not helped in this regard" inspector Campbell said.
Total recorded crime increased by 407 offences or 3.2% compared with the previous year.
There was little change in offence rates in the categories of sexual, drugs and antisocial, property abuse and dishonesty. Property damage once again shows a marked increase of 13% or 304 offences.
Full details of the 2007 calendar year statistics are available on www.stats.govt.nz
For further details contact:
Inspector Dave Campbell
027 489 1725
ENDS