Simon Power MP
National Party Justice & Corrections Spokesman

1 October 2007

Violent crime up 32% since Labour became Government

The latest crime statistics show that Labour continues to preside over ever-worsening violent crime figures, says National’s Justice spokesman, Simon Power.

“The Government crows about how it is on top of crime, but violent crime in 2006/07 has continued the upward trend evident since this Government was elected.”

Violent crime increased 4.4% over 2005/06, with grievous assaults up 10%, serious assaults 4.8%, and intimidation and threats up 5%.

“But much more concerning is the alarming rise in violence and sex crimes since Labour became the Government.”

Since 1999/00, violent crime has risen by 32%, from 40,090 to 52,883 offences, with robberies up 55%, grievous assaults up 70%, and serious assaults up 35.8%, while sex crimes have risen by 15%, from 3,130 offences to 3,607.

“This is all about crimes against people, and this Government is not delivering safer communities.

“It is clear from these figures – with serious violence and assaults continuing to show big increases but minor assaults up only 0.7% – that crime is now much nastier, and this is a major concern.

“Labour can use all the excuses they want, but the fact of the matter is that violent and sex crimes have risen steadily under them.

“And with overall crime up in 5 of the 12 police districts, it is clear the problems are not restricted to one or two areas.

“These figures are an indictment on Labour’s crime prevention strategies and make a joke of claims they are on top of the problem.”

The statistics also show:

- Property damage is up 26%, from 40,601 offences to 51,223.

- Drugs and anti-social offences are up 5.3%, from 53,690 offences to 56,561.

ENDS

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