Recorded crime at historic low
Criminal offences dropped by 4.1% in the last calendar year according to figures released today by Statistics New
Zealand.
In real terms this means that there were 15,602 fewer crimes recorded in 2013 than in 2012.
The 4.1% drop is even more significant given that the population grew by 0.9%. This means per head of population
offending dropped by 5% in 2013.
Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush said the 2013 result is the lowest crime figure in 29 years.
"We're delighted with the 4.1% drop," Mr Bush said. “We are deploying staff more efficiently and pro-actively to ensure
Police are in the right place at the right time to prevent crime from occurring.”
“In 2013 we conducted over 104,000 foot patrols across New Zealand. Frontline officers are now spending an extra 30
minutes per shift out in communities preventing crime.”
“The sharp reduction in public place assaults is a great example of how our Prevention First strategy is making our
communities safer.”
Nine of the twelve Police districts recorded decreases in recorded crime. Auckland and Wellington Districts recorded the
biggest reductions at 9.9%, followed by Bay of Plenty at 7.4% and Southern at 6.6%.
Recorded crime in the Canterbury Police District fell by 5.6% reversing increases that occurred when the Christchurch
rebuild began.
“The results in Canterbury are particularly satisfying. The significant drop in recorded crime in the district shows
we've maintained the positive gains we made in the post-earthquake environment through proactive policing and a strong
focus on crime prevention,” Mr Bush said.
Three districts experienced a rise in recorded crime. Eastern recorded a 3.4% rise, Central’s crime rate rose by 1.6%
while Northland’s grew by 1.5%.
In terms of criminal categories dangerous or negligent acts endangering persons dropped by 23%, public order offences
reduced by 15.7% and property damage and environmental pollution offences were down 6.8%.
In contrast sexual assault offences rose by 11.6% in 2013 but Mr Bush believes this is likely to be due to increased
reporting.
“We know that sexual violence is under-reported, and we are heartened that more victims of this type of crime are coming
forward,” Mr Bush said.
There was also a 22.7% drop in illicit drug offences in the 2013 calendar year. Most of this reduction was in cannabis
cultivation and possession. There was a 59 % increase in the import or export illicit drugs offence category. This was
the result of Police’s targeted campaign against organised crime groups that control large parts of the New Zealand
methamphetamine drug trade.
“Our intelligence indicates that the price of methamphetamine remains high but steady which indicates that supply is
stable,” Mr Bush said.
“Unfortunately methamphetamine is not going away. Police will continue to commit resources to disrupt supply and reduce
the harm this drug causes.”
Mr Bush said the 2013 calendar year recorded crime statistics are an important indicator that Police’s Prevention First
strategy is working.
“The figures are a credit to our staff who are committed to making New Zealand communities safer,” Mr Bush said.
“In recent years Police have committed significant resources into our Prevention First strategy. This has seen a sharp
reduction in reported crime.
ENDS