Behind the crime figures

Homicide

One-third of homicides are typically related to family violence. Police have tried to target domestic assaults and encourage reporting. Improved medical interventions may also cut homicide rates over time.

Robbery

Increases here are thought to reflect increases in drug-induced crime, particularly from methamphetamine. The rise is also thought to reflect better responses to urgent calls, and pro-active policing in some districts. Increase in drug use may be linked to better economic conditions with people able to afford drugs like P.

Serious assaults

Again, an increase in the reporting of family violence and a police desire to tackle domestic abuse is linked to the rise. Both drugs and higher alcohol use have led to rises in violence. Of concern is the increased number of young people becoming heavy users of high-strength liquor.

Sexual attacks

There are no obvious reasons for the changes here. Police would like to think sexual attacks will decline with the focus on domestic assaults. Effort has been made to improve responses to reporting. The more likely a person is to report a sexual attack, the more likely police can identify repeat offenders. Tighter bail conditions may have reduced attacks.

Stimulant drugs

Methamphetamine-type drug use is one of the police's biggest concerns. As well as the 8 per cent rise, there has been a 27 per cent rise in offending when someone is caught for some other offence, searched, and the drugs found. Police say methamphetamine is readily available.

Sale of Liquor Act

There are two target areas - underage offending and the serving of drunk people in bars. Police are trying to develop relationships with liquor outlets to encourage better behaviour among patrons so there will be fewer offences. There has been significant targeting of outlets which sell alcohol to underage drinkers.

Thefts

A volume crime, including shoplifting and "people just nicking stuff". Reductions caused by increased security put in place by retailers, with security staff at shops. More police officers on the street would probably see reported thefts increase rather than simply act as a deterrent to offending.

Road deaths

The toll has plateaued and the number of fatal crashes in the past financial year dropped. As well, the number of speeding infringements is dropping, reflecting both a fear of being caught, and publicity about whether the police are revenue gathering through speed cameras. Police say they are finding it harder to catch people speeding.