University study to focus on link between 'P' and crime

By AINSLEY THOMSON

A rise in drug offences has prompted police to commission a university study into the link between methamphetamine and crime.

The recorded crime figures for the financial year ending June 30, released yesterday, showed an increase of 5 per cent in drug-related offences.

While cannabis-related offences dropped by 2.4 per cent, other drug offences, methamphetamine in particular, increased by 13 per cent.

Acting Police Commissioner Steve Long said the Massey University research was part of the move to halt the drug problem and would build on the anecdotal evidence of the link between methamphetamine - particularly its pure form, or P - and crime.

The study is designed to help police to respond more effectively.

Counties Manukau district showed the biggest increase in recorded crime, with an 8.5 per cent jump. District Commander Superintendent Ted Cox said a significant factor, particularly in violent offending, which rose by 3.6 per cent, was the use of methamphetamine.

"We are seeing more and more evidence of methamphetamine in the serious violent offending. It is also becoming a feature in family violence."

Mr Cox said several initiatives were under way to curb the problem, including targeting organised criminals manufacturing and dealing the drug, and educating the public about its effects.

Nationally, crime rose 2.5 per cent. Waikato and Northland districts recorded falls in crime of 3.5 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively.

The overall national crime resolution rate was 43.7 per cent - the highest in 20 years.