4 October 2001

Media Statement

24.5% fall in burglary in Papanui

The fact that 428 fewer burglaries were committed in Papanui last year is good news for law-abiding local residents.

As burglary crime continues to fall the pressure is going back on the criminal.

"In the last year the number of burglaries committed nationwide dropped by 10,495. That is around 200 fewer recorded burglaries each week.

"There were 428 fewer recorded burglaries in Papanui last year. Recorded burglaries fell by 24.5 percent," Waimakariri MP Clayton Cosgrove said.

Police Minister George Hawkins is delighted with the reduction in burglary but stresses the importance of the community working in partnership with police to help build on the positive trend.

"We recognise that cracking down on burglary is a high priority. Today's burglars are tomorrow's violent criminals, unless we break the cycle.

"That is why we have invested so much in the Police. This year's Budget saw $165.5 million in additional funding allocated to the Police over the next four years.

"The Government cancelled National's planned $24 million cut to police funding. The focus now is to continue cracking down on crime - including burglary," George Hawkins said.

Clayton Cosgrove said increased community involvement with Neighbourhood Support would make a significant difference in the war on burglary.

"By joining and participating in a local Neighbourhood Support group, residents can support police in the war against burglary.

"The 24.5 percent reduction in recorded burglary in 2000/01 is a good start. If we keep working with the Police, we can look forward to even more encouraging reductions in recorded crime in the future," Clayton Cosgrove said.

End.

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