Mozart lowers Christchurch crime

An image of Mozart.

An 18th century classical composer and his friends are helping Christchurch police combat inner-city crime.

The introduction of speakers playing Mozart and other classical music in City Mall in June 2009 has led to a steep fall in petty crime, according to mall managers.

A before and after comparison of figures reveals the number of anti-social incidents attended by city centre security guards (or ambassadors) down from 77 a week in October 2008 to two for the same week this year.

Drug and alcohol-related incidents fell from 16 in 2008 to zero this year and the number of times security helped shopkeepers with troublesome customers has fallen from 35 to zero.

The statistics include all incidents attended between Oxford Tce, Manchester, Hereford and Lichfield streets, but most incidents were in City Mall.

The ambassadors were introduced in September 2007.

The music had created an environment conducive to good behaviour, Senior Sergeant Gordon Spite told The Press.

"If you go into an area that is uncared for and knocked around there is a clear message that no-one cares and you can do what you like. There are no rules. The music has had quite a calming affect on things. A more diverse group of people use it now than before."

- NZPA