Central District crime at levels at a record low

Recorded crime in Central District is now at its lowest level per head of population for at least 15 years and the District continues to see a rise in the number of offences resolved.

Crime statistics released today show a 4.8% decrease in recorded in the 12 months ending 31 December 2011. When the reductions of previous years are taken into account, the result is a total decrease of 11% since the level recorded in 2008. Central District Police now records nearly 17,000 fewer offences than 1996 when population estimates were first broken down to Police area level.

The decrease is across most crime categories with burglary and vehicle crime also at an all time low per head of population.

The number of cases in which people were held to account during 2011 is 55%, a resolution increase of 4.4% on the previous year.

Central District Commander, Superintendent Russell Gibson said: "To hit a record low is outstanding and shows that the conscious effort my staff have been making to be more visible and to prevent crime, is paying dividends.

"It is also really important not to think of these statistics just in terms of the number of crimes.  Attached to most of these crimes is a victim so the real story here is that thousands of people over the last few years have not had to suffer the distress and trauma of being victimised.

"The work we do is about making sure people are safe and that they feel safe. We can't, however, take sole responsibility for that work, so credit for these superb results must also go to the agencies and volunteer groups, such as councils, Maori Wardens, Community Patrols and Neighbourhood Support Groups who work tirelessly to support us and our communities."

Note: The Central Police District incorporates the Territorial Local Authorities of New Plymouth, Stratford, South Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitikei, Ruapehu, Manawatu, Tararua, Palmerston North and Horowhenua.  Policing services in the District are managed by six Area Commanders.

Area Contacts are:
New Plymouth - Inspector Blair Telford - 06 759 5501
Taranaki Rural (Hawera) - Inspector Frank Grant - 06 278 0286
Whanganui - Inspector Sue Schwalger - 06 349 0634
Ruapehu (Taumarunui) - Inspector Steve Mastrovich - 07 895 5744
Palmerston North - Inspector Pat Handcock - 06 351 3836
Palmerston North Rural - Inspector Mark Harrison - 06 351 2531

District-wide media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.