Latest Otago Rural crime statistics show a 5 percent increase in recorded crime in the 2009 calendar year compared to 2008.
The amount of crime resolved in Otago Rural remained constant at 54.5 percent, still well above the national average of 47.8 percent.
The rise in total recorded crime across the area has been driven largely by an increase in the category of drugs and anti-social offences.
"This reflects the fact that Police have listened to their local communities and taken a proactive approach to curbing drug and behavioural offences. This has resulted in the rise in Cannabis (+154 offences), Disorder (+117 offences) and Breach of Liquor Ban (+41 offences) offences," said Otago Rural Area Commander, Inspector Mike Cook.
Inspector Cook said it was disappointing to see that the number of violent offences across Otago Rural had increased by 4.7 percent. This was driven mainly by an increase in Grievous Assaults (+23 offences), and Serious Assaults (+15 offences).
"Police continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to combat all types of violence within our communities. A number of positive initiatives have been put in place in Otago Rural. These include increased visibility of police officers, police working closely with community guardians and liquor bans. These all have a role to play in combating violent behaviour both within the public arena and the home," Inspector Cook said.
There were 87 more Property Damage offences in 2009 (bringing the total to 1158 in 2009), compared with the previous year. Property damage makes up 19 percent of Otago Rural's total reported crime for this period. This increase was driven almost entirely by a 10 percent increase (+99 offences) in Wilful Damage (1093 offences).
"A significant proportion of this increase could be attributed to the partnership and reporting relationship between the Oamaru Police and the Waitaki District Council, where 41 percent of the total reported damage offences were recorded," he said.
"It was pleasing to note a decrease in recorded dishonesty offences, with decreases in Thefts (-33 offences) and Car Conversion (-33 offences). Although the numbers are low, the trend is reassuring and highlights some of the strong proactive policing strategies being undertaken across the area," said Inspector Cook.
ENDS