Kaitaia boosts the rise in crime

Recorded crime in Northland rose over 2011, thanks in no small measure to arrests made by the police in Kaitaia.

Statistics released on Tuesday show recorded crime for the year ending 2012 was up by 0.9 per cent from 2011. A total of 15,355 offences were recorded, compared with 15,211 in 2011.

If the charges against self-confessed paedophile James Parker, accused paedophile Daniel Taylor, 45 methamphetamine charges against a Kaingaroa man, 75 drug charges against three Ahipara/Awanui men and 48 drug and related charges against three people resident at Whangape were deducted, the overall result would have been a drop of 1.3 per cent.

Meanwhile Northland District Commander Superintendent Russell Le Prou said that while there had been a slight increase in recorded crime, last year's was still one of the lowest levels of crime recorded in the last five years.

The district's resolution rate has also increased, from 52.4 per cent to 53.2 per cent.

Last year had seen two cases of manslaughter (compared with one in 2011), two murders (one), a 15 per cent rise in assaults (1911 to 2197), a 27.8 per cent in sexual assaults (162 to 207), a 41.3 per cent increase in harassment and threatening behaviour (479 to 677), a 6.9 per cent increase in drug offences (1215 to 1299, most involving dealing or trafficking in illicit drugs), and a 5.2 per cent rise in public order offences, including disorderly conduct (1555 to 1636).

Robberies fell 5.3 per cent (from 94 to 89), burglaries fell 13.9 per cent (2717 to 2339), thefts fell 7.1 per cent (4084 to 3793), and fraud offences fell 23.3 per cent (283 to 217).

Superintendent Le Prou said much of the increase could be attributed to violence and drug offences, while much of the increase in sexual assaults was related to the multiple charges laid against James Parker and Daniel Taylor.

Assaults and disorderly behaviour were up slightly, and with the focus on 'Prevention First' police would be ensuring that staff were in the right place at the right time to prevent incidents of violence escalating.

Harassment and threatening behaviour offences, many of which were linked to family violence, had increased.

"Family Violence is a crime and is treated seriously. Our staff are dedicated to ensuring that victims of family violence are given the help they need to prevent them from being re-victimised," Superintendent Le Prou said.

"Northland police also have a close relationship with social sector agencies in the region, and there are several initiatives in place to work with vulnerable people in our communities."

Illicit drugs and alcohol continued to be a problem for Northland, and police would continue working with the community and partners to reduce the harm caused by them.