Money owed to victims of crime jumps

Georgina te Heuheu. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Crime victims are owed more than $80 million in reparations, a 33 per cent jump over three years ago.

Ministry of Justice figures show $80.5 million of court-ordered reparation was owed to victims at 30 October last year. That compares with $64.4 million of outstanding reparation owed in 2006 and $59.2 million in 2005.

Victim Support chief executive Tony Paine said the system was letting victims down.

"It's an unacceptably high amount and as always, the victim will be left out of pocket,' he said.

"Ultimately it erodes people's faith in the justice system. They're not getting what they're entitled to."

Over 60,000 victims are owed money in reparation, which averages to $1300 per victim. However according to the Ministry of Justice, 78 per cent of victims are owed less than $1000 and 29 per cent are owed less than $100.

Although the amount of reparations imposed is increasing, figures show the amount collected is also on the rise.

In the 12 months to July last year, the Courts Department collected $20.4 million, up 22 per cent from three years prior. In the four months to October last year, $7.1 million had been collected.

"Things are getting better and it is positive but we can't let the ball drop. I know [the Courts Department] works very hard but not hard enough," said Mr Paine.

Courts Minister Georgina te Heuheu said the value owed was a reflection of the amount of reparation being imposed by judges.

"Imposing reparation is an entirely judicial manner which we have no say over," she said.

"Increased use of reparation by judges has contributed to the value that is owed but to balance this, the amount collected is going up and that is a must."

She said a lot of hard work has gone in over the last year to ensure this trend continues.

"Taking money from people who don't want to give it is not the easiest task...but we are continually improving our game and how to impose collection," Ms te Heuheu said.

The Courts and Criminal Matters Bill, which was due to be introduced at the end of 2009, is set to improve the courts' ability to collect unpaid reparation by affecting offender's credit ratings.

Ministry of Justice figures show the majority of reparation is paid to victims within four years - 72 per cent as at the end of September last year.

The earliest unpaid reparation dates back to 1974.