High-tech trap for burglars

By SCOTT INGLIS

Police computers will zero in on burglars' homes and break-in hot spots under a new Government offensive on a crime that affected one in four New Zealanders during the past five years.

The $6 million computer mapping programme is part of a $14 million plan announced yesterday to reduce the number of burglaries.

Last year, the number of reported burglaries fell 5 per cent, but still totalled 74,000.

Another weapon in the seven-pronged package is a programme to help families who become repeat targets for burglars.

A pilot "target hardening" project involving 100 worst-hit families in poor areas will give free advice, locks and burglar alarms.

Justice Minister Phil Goff, who announced the three-year plan yesterday with Police Minister George Hawkins, said it was wrong to think burglars hit mainly rich homes.

Many poor victims were uninsured and often could not get insurance cover.

The computer mapping programme will give detailed criminal profiles, and maps of where burglars live and the areas they target.

The technology has already been tested in the Hutt district, and the Counties Manukau police district will try it this month.

Mr Hawkins said increased use of civilians for data input and analysis would free sworn officers for frontline work and enable police to work "far smarter" than in the past.

The ministers also said Auckland's three police districts would each get an extra burglary-focused Law Enforcement Team on top of three already working in each of those areas.

The new teams - in Auckland City, Waitakere/North Shore and Counties Manukau districts - each have 10 detectives and constables, and two non-sworn support workers.

They use intelligence, trends and clues to catch burglars, and will cost $7.59 million over three years. Other parts of the anti-burglary plan have already been announced.

They include a police response within 24 hours in 97 per cent of cases, tougher bail laws for repeat offenders, tougher DNA laws so police can swab suspects' mouths rather than take blood, more money for forensics and tougher laws covering second-hand goods dealers, pawn brokers and auctioneers.

Mr Goff, who has been burgled twice, estimated that one million people had been affected by burglary over the past five years.

But only about 10 per cent of reported burglaries were solved.

"We are also aware that burglary is not only the bread and butter of recidivist criminal offenders," he said.

"It can also be the forerunner to more serious offending.

"When you run through the list of rape suspects and people convicted of rape, you will find almost every one of them has a conviction for burglary."

Police chiefs in Wellington last night welcomed the package.

Battling burglary - a Herald series

E-mail: Naomi Larkin or Scott Inglis

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