Editorial: Hard line to worry burglars

Surely the threat of jail will deter thieves? Photo/Thinkstock

Ask a majority of locals what crime they fear most and they will tell you burglary.

The violation of having someone rifle through your personal belongings and take what they please can leave some victims traumatised for years.

The Act Party has announced a new policy that targets repeat burglars. It will see burglars spend at least three years in prison if convicted of the crime a third time and is based on the three-strikes law for violent crime, also an Act policy.

Any police officer or criminal psychologist will tell you burglars can go on to more serious offending.

The predatory nature of a burglar can also lead to sexual offending and more violent offences.

Figures show fewer than 2 per cent of burglaries in New Zealand resulted in a term of imprisonment last year.

It's all pointing to a more "lock 'em up and throw away the key" approach, but is Act's policy really what New Zealand needs or is it just a popular topic to earn some much needed voter brownie points?

New Zealand is currently rejoicing in some of the lowest crime figures since records began.

In Rotorua, there were 1477 burglaries in 2012, down nearly 10 per cent last year to 1331. Our resolution rate has also increased from nearly 16 per cent to nearly 19 per cent.

But while there have been some big reductions there are still more than 25 burglaries in Rotorua a week.

Surely a threat of jail after being caught a third time will help reduce it further.