Crime resolution rate increases again in Bay of Plenty

The 2009/10 financial year crime statistics released today indicate that the Bay of Plenty Police District has once again seen an increase in the amount of resolved crime.

This is the third financial period in a row that the District has achieved an increase in resolved crime. It also brings the District's resolution rate up to 58.4 per cent – more than 10 per cent higher than the National resolution rate of 48.1 per cent.

The Bay of Plenty Police Acting District Commander, Detective Inspector John Tims, says the resolution rate will always be an important measure for Police, and is a reflection of Police and local communities working together to solve crime.

The 2009/10 financial year statistics also indicate that the number of burglaries, thefts from cars, stolen cars and sex crimes have continued to decrease over a five year period.

Burglaries have decreased by 16.4 per cent from 2005/06, while thefts from cars and stolen cars have decreased by a significant 42 per cent and 43.8 per cent respectively.

Detective Inspector Tims says this is a good indication that the District's strategy is showing the desired results over the long-term.

Overall, the crime statistics indicate that the Bay of Plenty District saw an increase of 10.8 per cent increase across all crime. The total number of offences was 40,079.

Detective Inspector Tims says the increase has come from a range of crime areas, including disorder, burglary, family violence and drug offences.

He says that much of the increase is a reflection of a high level of proactive policing in a number of key areas, including breach of liquor ban and disorder, prioritising reports of family violence and taking a strong approach to organised crime. At the same time, there has been a 14.6 per cent reduction in the number of stolen cars.

"Just in the past two weeks, we have seen the completion of a major, six month operation targeting organised crime, stolen property and methamphetamine.

"In short, organised criminals are groups or individuals who are earning a living from criminal activity. This could include the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs, burglaries, receiving and selling stolen property and more. Serious violence and intimidation are often factors.

"All of these activities cause significant harm in our community, so reducing this harm by disrupting organised crime groups is a priority for us and it will continue to be so."

Detective Inspector Tims says at the same time, a continued focus will be maintained on other crime areas such as burglaries.

"Burglary is the largest factor in people feeling unsafe in their homes, so it simply has to be a priority for us.

"We do know that burglary and organised crime operations are connected, as many offenders are those who are stealing to pay a drug debt or to buy drugs. Whenever we complete a major operation and disrupt the local drug trade, we see an immediate drop in burglaries.

"We have started the new financial year with a range of strategies designed to proactively address crime in key areas, such as disorder, alcohol and organised crime, and to reduce other crimes such as dishonesty offending.

"These will continue in the year ahead and particularly over the summer policing period, when we are focused on ensuring people feel safe and reassured on the street, beaches, roads and in their homes."

For full statistics see: http://www.police.govt.nz/statistics/2010/fiscal