Crime falls in Bay of Plenty (+poll)

Official crime statistics released today show crime in the Bay of Plenty District is continuing to fall.

Bay of Plenty Police District Commander Superintendent Glenn Dunbier said recorded crime for the 2012 calendar year was down by 7.1 per cent.

"Taupo Area has seen the biggest drop in recorded crime during this period, down by 13.1 per cent, followed by Western Bay of Plenty, which is down by 10.8 per cent."

Rotorua fell by 4.7 per cent and although Eastern Bay of Plenty had a slight increase in recorded crime, the level of increase is tracking down with a 4.3 per cent in 2012, compared to a 8.2 per cent increase in 2011.

The categories across the district where recorded offences fell the most during the 2012 calendar year include homicide and related offences (down 50 per cent), abduction, harassment and other related offences against a person (down 19.9 per cent) and unlawful entry with intent/burglary, break and enter (down by 13.5 per cent).

"It's heartening to see burglary and related offences down on the previous year. Preventing burglaries, and in turn, preventing residents from becoming victims of crime, remains one of the key priorities within this district."

"Police across the Bay of Plenty remain committed to preventing crime before it occurs, through our prevention first operating strategy. This means putting victims at the heart of policing; preventing crime before it occurs, to ensure all residents can be safe and feel safe."

He said illicit drug offences were up by 6 per cent on the previous year. This was a positive result and could be attributed to the concerted effort police had continued to place on organised criminals operating within the Bay of Plenty. Police had significantly disrupted the criminal fraternity with their targeted approach, particularly in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Mr Dunbiew said.

"I'm proud of the work of staff throughout the District who remain committed to keeping our communities safe. Their hard work is reflected in these positive crime statistics released today."

At a national level, recorded crime continues to drop with recorded offences dropping by 7.4 per cent in 2012, compared to 2011.