Auckland City records further drop

The downward trend in recorded crime continues in Auckland City with the latest fiscal year results showing a further five per cent reduction in total crime for the 2013/14 year. This is on top of the previous (2012/13) result of a 16.8 per cent drop in recorded crime - the lowest level since 1995.

Put another way, there were 2,242 fewer offences recorded in the Auckland City District in the 2013/14 year than in the 2012/13 year. Since the 2011/12 fiscal year the number of crimes recorded in the district has dropped by a whopping 11,349 offences.

Outgoing District Commander, Superintendent Mike Clement, says the continued impressive results are due to the hard work, dedication and focus of all staff and volunteers like Maori Wardens and Auckland Safety patrollers in the district.

"For the past two and a half years we have focused on preventing crime, particularly all aspects of property crime. That said, there's still a long way to go given these categories still account for just over 61 per cent of all the district's offences.

"Following on from the 22.8 per cent drop of unlawful entry with intent/burglary offences achieved in the 2012/13 year, the district achieved a further 1.5 percent reduction in the number of those offences recorded in 2012/13."

However he said that, even with such a sustained reduction, property crime still accounts for too much, a lot of which has been shown to be preventable. People should ensure serial numbers and photographs of valuable household and personal items are retained securely or, if in vehicles, bars and cafes, kept out of view of opportunist thieves.

He said the Neighbourhood Support organisation provides valuable and proven strategies for communities who want to improve their levels of property and personal safety.

"It's pleasing to see public place violence has dropped by 100 recorded offences but at 1,277 offences in the 2013/14 year, that figure is still too high and we intend to have some further impact on that through, hopefully, a robust Local Alcohol Policy."

ENDS

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