Waikato crime continues downward trend
Waikato, 1 April 2014 - Small steps to success is how the Waikato's acting Police commander is describing a drop in
recorded crime over the past calendar year continuing a downward trend over the past five years.
Detective Inspector Chris Page said given new technology was introduced over the previous 12 months to make it easier
for people to report crime; the fact the Waikato recorded a 1.5 per cent drop in reported offences showed these new
initiatives are working.
"This drop represents less victims and comes on the back of last year's drop of 7.5 per cent. Across the District the
number of murders, assaults, robberies and violent crime all dropped.
"Other reductions included the number of fraud, drug, weapons and public order offences reported."
Mr Page said this year's number of reported crimes per 10,000 head of population was the second lowest figure for the
Waikato since crimes were recorded in this manner from 1996 while the District's sole murder equalled the previous
lowest total recorded in 2008.
"All this leads me to believe that together, Police and the community they serve are working to ensure the Waikato is a
safe, family friendly place to be."
ENDS