Total reported crime in the Dunedin Clutha policing area has continued to achieve positive results with a further 4.4% reduction in reported crime in the fiscal year to 30 June 2013. The 4.4% reduction corresponds to over 429 fewer offences, down from 9,685 offences in 2011/2012 to 9,256 offences in 2012/2013.
Dunedin Clutha Area Commander Inspector Greg Sparrow says this was a great result for the community, for police and key partner agencies. The area has now embedded a preventative policing model which means putting the needs of victims at the forefront of policing.
The good results show that Dunedin Clutha's prevention focus and addressing the drivers of crime is getting results.
A critical area of focus has been the misuse of alcohol.
"Unfortunately Police and other emergency services often have to deal with people who have consumed too much alcohol and have either become victims of crime or offenders. Addressing alcohol misuse is not only a police problem but something the whole community has to take responsibility for," Inspector Sparrow says.
Reported burglary reduced by 14% from 859 to 738 and while this was welcomed Inspector Sparrow said that people should always take basic steps such as securing possessions and property and joining a Neighbourhood Support Group. Reported theft and related offences decreased 15% to 2,582 recorded offences.
Robbery related offences had increased 100% to 38 reported offences and a number of these related to robberies of retail premises to obtain synthetic cannabinoids. Inspector Sparrow said that there had been several arrests made in relation to these and the alleged offenders were either before the court or had been dealt with. He said that the Ministry of Health in partnership with police would focus on outlets selling these products and enforcement action would be taken for breaches of the law.
Illicit drug offences increased by 24% and this was as a result of several successful operations targeting dealers and organised crime groups which permeate all levels of society.
Southern District results
Relieving Southern District Commander, Superintendent Richard Chambers says that the latest district-wide decrease in crime, the seventh consecutive decrease, reflects the work and commitment of Southern police staff.
In the year to 30 June 2013 total recorded crime reduced by 5.1% across Otago and Southland, a decrease of 1,133 recorded offences.
“This reduction in recorded offences also translates to fewer victims in our communities and means that we have fewer people who are suffering the negative impacts that crime can have both on individuals and on our communities.”
"We are also rating highly as a district in terms of the level of trust and confidence that Southern communities have in Police, demonstrating that many people in Southern not only are safe but feel safe, " he said.
"These latest crime figures continue to endorse the fact that we are directing our efforts in the right way, with a more targeted approach to tackling crime and a greater emphasis on preventing crime before it happens," he says.
"With the introduction of new systems over the past year, such as a centralised district file management centre and the mobility roll-out of iPhones and iPads to staff - both aimed at reducing the burden of paper work on the frontline and getting more staff out on the streets - Southern is making even better gains in crime reduction and reducing victimisation in our communities," he says.
All three policing areas in Southern had contributed to the sustained decrease.
ENDS
Released by Inspector Greg Sparrow, Area Commander, Dunedin Clutha