Counting Crime: Most assaults in Whanganui occur during the day

Police investigated an assault at Bason Botanic Gardens last November. Photo/Bevan Conley

You're more likely to be assaulted in Whanganui in the middle of the afternoon than at any other time.

There have been just under 800 assaults in Whanganui since July 2014, less than one a day.

The number of assaults in the nearby rural areas of Rangitikei and Ruapehu was much lower - 163 and 157. There was no significant change in numbers over that time.

The figures were part of an in-depth look into police data led by Herald Insights.

But the numbers don't tell the whole story.

Ruapehu mayor Don Cameron and his wife Phyl know only too well no one is immune from the threat of assault.

In November last year, the mayor and mayoress were set upon by three people in Raetihi outside the Royal Theatre after attending the final dress rehearsal of a pantomime Mrs Cameron had written and was directing.

The Camerons, who live in Horopito, were both seriously injured.

As a result, the iwi has taken a lead around the young people getting their hands on booze and drugs.

Don Cameron

Mr Cameron was knocked unconscious and had 16 stitches in his ear, while Phyl suffered a black eye and a lump on her forehead.

After the attackers ran off, Mrs Cameron flagged down a truck driver to phone 111.

Mr Cameron told the Wanganui Chronicle the incident was terrible at the time but there had been positive developments come from it.

"As a result, the iwi has taken a lead around the young people getting their hands on booze and drugs," he said.

Ruapehu mayor Don Cameron. Photo/Supplied

"There have been some very good conversations come from it and the iwi has taken that on very well indeed."

More police officers were announced for all regions earlier this year, with 67 coming to the Central district, which includes Whanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitikei and Palmerston North.

Mr Cameron said a recent police announcement of more officers to be deployed in the area, including Raetihi, were a good thing.

"We have had problems with getting officers good places to live out in the country regions but that will be worked out, I'm sure."

Three people were arrested and charged in relation to the attack outside the theatre.

The other positive news was Mrs Cameron has returned to the theatre to direct the American children's play Sleepy Hollow.

Unsurprisingly, more assaults took place on Saturday or Sunday in Whanganui than during the week.

Most of these took place during the day rather than at night - 3pm was the most common hour.

The Government's promise of 67 new police is not even close to what's needed.

Winston Peters

The number of assaults in Whanganui has barely changed in the last three years, but the number is high compared to some other centres.

The rate of assaults was similar to that of Hastings and Napier, but higher than Wellington or Christchurch.

The highest number of common assaults in Whanganui - 128 - took place in Cooks Gardens.

There were more assaults recorded in Gonville South and Laird Park than Whanganui Central.

Sociologist Jarrod Gilbert said crime, particularly violent crime, has been decreasing for the last few decades.

"The murder rate is dropping. You're half as likely to be murdered as you were in the early 1990s."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said the increase in police officers was nowhere near enough.

"The Government's promise of 67 new police is not even close to what's needed."

For more crime data in your area, go to Herald Insights' Counting Crime.