Bay of Plenty crime rate at another record low

A continued focus on prevention and victims is believed to be a significant factor in the 11.7% reduction in crime recorded in the Bay of Plenty in year to 30 June, 2014.

This builds on a 3.5 percent reduction the previous year and once again makes it the lowest District crime rate since electronic records began in 1995.

Figures released today show that a total of 29,734 offences were recorded, down 3,924 offences on the previous year.

Bay of Plenty has four policing areas and each of those areas had a similar reduction. Rotorua led the charge with a drop of 12.4 percent closely followed by Taupo with a 12 per cent reduction, Eastern Bay of Plenty with an 11.7 percent reduction and Western Bay of Plenty with a 10.9 percent reduction.

Acting District Commander Tim Anderson said: “The District has seen a continued reduction in recorded crime over the last four years and it is timely to acknowledge Superintendent Glenn Dunbier who is just taken up his new position in Wellington on promotion to Deputy Commissioner. His leadership in the Bay of Plenty since 2010 has been instrumental in creating an environment and culture that has allowed staff to perform with distinction, thus making the Bay of Plenty a much safer place. These results are also a reflection of the hard work of area management teams and staff across the district who are dedicated and motivated to ensure that their communities are safe and also to ensure they feel safe."

“Results like this are extremely pleasing, especially as less crime means fewer victims, but that doesn’t mean we can afford to take our eye off the ball. One victim of crime will always be one too many and we will continue to strive, with the support of partner agencies to protect our communities and from the trauma and heartache of crime.”

Some of the highlights include:

· First time since electronic records began in 1995 that annual total recorded crime has been below 30,000 offences.

· Burglary offences dropped 14.8 percent building on 4.1 percent reduction in 2012/13

· Theft offences 10.7 percent building on 0.4 percent reduction in 2012/13

· Fraud offences 29.4 percent building on 32.6 percent increase 2012/13

· Public order offences dropped 12.4 percent building on 7.1 percent reduction in 2012/13

· Robbery offences dropped 3.8 percent off the back of an increase the previous year.

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