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Northland crime drops by 10.5 percent

Monday 2 April 2012, 2:48PM

By New Zealand Police

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NORTHLAND

At a total of 15,211 recorded offences in the Northland District for the 2011calendar year, the district's crime rate is down on the 2010 figure of nearly 1,800 offences.

Percentage wise, recorded crime in the district is down on the previous year's figure by 10.5 percent.
Northland Police District Commander Superintendent Russell Le Prou says this is a very pleasing result, particularly as recorded crime has been dropping since 2010.

The Northland District Crime Statistics for the year ending 2011 also report that 975 offences were recorded per 10,000 population, which is the lowest figure since 1996.

The areas that recorded drops in crime were: burglary, which dropped by 2.5 percent; theft, which dropped by10.7 percent; fraud, which dropped by 41.4 percent; illicit drugs, which dropped by 22.0 percent; public disorder, which dropped by 2.6 percent; and assault, which dropped by 4.3 percent.

Recorded sexual assaults have risen by 36.1 percent and Mr Le Prou says there has been an increased focus by police on sexual assault crimes.

"We have established a Child Protection Team and the way that Police now process and investigate adult sexual assault, which has more of a focus on the victim. Almost two thirds of the sexual assault cases are resolved."

Robbery was up by 44.6 percent. However the figures last year were particularly low and this year's robbery incidents are similar to 2009 levels.

"Robbery is an area of concern for Northland Police and we have been focusing on this crime. One in two robberies is resolved by our staff."

Mr Le Prou says the drop in many areas of recorded crime is testament to the commitment of staff in working with partner agencies and the community to tackle some of the drivers of crime such as alcohol and drugs.

"Police staff have also concentrated on preventive activities, such as hotel visits, foot patrols, and road checkpoints."

"We have been working on many initiatives with our partners to reduce the harmful affects of alcohol and drugs, such as the Whanau Hapu Drink Driving Programme and the Police Alcohol and Drug Helpline Project.

The Far North Alcohol Team, which involves Police, Far North District Council and Northland Health, has been operating successfully for four years. This team works together to reduce alcohol harm through prevention, enforcement and education," says Mr Le Prou.