Crime statistics a "good result" for community

Todd McClay

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has welcomed the significant decrease of most serious crime offences in Rotorua as well as the overall crime rate being down for the fourth consecutive year.

"The Bay of Plenty Police District annual crime statistics show overall crime in Rotorua dropped 11.2 per cent in 2013 - the fourth consecutive year it has been down," he said.

"This follows a 4.7 per cent decrease in 2012, 5 per cent decrease in 2011 and 0.5 per cent decrease in 2010.

"These statistics also show most serious offences have seen a significant drop including a 38.8 per cent decrease in sexual assault and related offences, 18.3 per cent decrease in illicit drug offences, a 54.5 per cent drop in dangerous of negligent acts endangering persons and 47.4 per cent drop in abduction, harassment and other related offences.

"These are good results for our communities and reflect the hard work of the Rotorua Police as well as the Government's commitment to tackling crime.

"A 227 per cent increase in Police foot patrols in the BOP Police District, including Rotorua, over two years, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, and the 41,526 additional frontline hours for our district's officers delivered by the use of smartphones and tablets, is contributing to our falling crime rate.

"Our focus is on reducing crime, supporting victims, and developing better, modern and more accessible justice services. With these Government initiatives and the continued hard work of the Rotorua police, we can continue to prevent crime in our city."