Police are warning the New Zealand public to be vigilant on Christmas Day despite the fact that many criminals appear to take a holiday on 25 December.
National Manager Prevention Bruce Bird said on average the level of criminal offending drops about 27 % on Christmas Day.
“Over the last five years there has been an average of 436 criminal apprehensions in New Zealand on the 25th of December,” Mr Bird said.
“On a typical day during the year police record an average of 596 apprehensions per day so contrary to popular belief criminal activity does not increase on Christmas Day. However being a victim of crime at this time of year is a very traumatic experience which can quickly dampen the Christmas spirit.”
Mr Bird said holiday makers can reduce the risk of having their house broken into while they are away by communicating with their neighbours.
“The most important prevention measure home owners can take is to let their neighbours know when they are going away,” Mr Bird said. “It is also a great idea to swap holiday addresses and let each other know if you are expecting visitors or trades people while you are away.”
Mr Bird said Police will be allocating additional resources to popular holiday areas such as the Bay of Plenty, Northland, Coromandel and Central Otago to keep the public safe as well as undertaking additional road safety measures to promote a safer summer.
“We will have a high public presence during the holiday season,” Mr Bird said. “However the public also need to play their part to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
“If you are going to consume alcohol please drink responsibly and whatever you do don’t get behind the wheel or in a boat if you are over the limit. Domestic violence is also an area of concern for Police at holiday times and
Police urge victims to seek help before situations escalate out of control."
Historically assault and disorderly behaviour are the two most common criminal offences committed on Christmas Day. Over the last five years there have been a total of 570 apprehensions for acts intending to cause injury and 429 apprehensions for public order offences recorded on December 25.
ENDS
For more information please contact Kevin Sinnott on (021) 192 2917