Reported crime down in Rotorua

FILE

Police determined to make their own community safer has been credited as the driving force behind a reduction in crime statistics.

Reported crime in Rotorua dropped 8.1 per cent according to figures released by Statistics New Zealand today.

Acting Area Commander Inspector Tim Anderson said it was a combination of strategies, including targetting repeat offenders and repeat locations and working with businesses on crime prevention strategies.

"This is good news for Rotorua," he said.

"Investigators, police staff and non-sworn support staff in Rotorua are extremely good at what they do. They are passionate. They all live within the Rotorua community so they have a certain drive and determination to male the community we live in a safer place.

"The community across Rotorua also work very well with police and we're thankful for the calls and support we get to make this a better place."

According to Statistics New Zealand there were 9567 crimes recorded in the Rotorua district between July 1 2012 and June 30 2013. Of these 4914 were resolved, giving a resolution rate of 51.4 per cent, this was an increase on last year.

There were reductions in sexual assault and related offences - 26.2 per cent, unlawful entry with intent/burglary - 19.1 per cent, theft and related offences - 6.6 per centillicit drug offences - 18.3 per cent, property damage and environmental pollution - 11.1 per cent, and public order offences - 5 per cent.

Increases were recorded in acts intended to cause injury - 5.7 per cent, or 61 cases, abduction, harassment and other related offences - 23.5 per cent, or 57 cases and robbery by 25 per cent, or eight cases.

There was also a 31.1 per cent increase in fraud, deception and related offences, the equivalent of 70 offences.

"Some times you can have one offender responsible for 30 odd offences," Mr Anderson said.

"Overall we've had 1000 less victims of crime and that means 1000 families who are better off. Our big focus in reducing burglary and general theft are also good reductions. This comes on the back of a decrease the previous year so is another good result."

There was a 7.7 per cent decrease in reported crime in the Taupo police district but a 1.3 per cent increase in the Eastern Bay of Plenty police district.