Tasman crime rate continues to fall

Total crime for the Tasman Police District has fallen by -2.9 percent in the year to June 2014.

Crime statistics were released today for the District which covers Marlborough, Nelson Bays and the West Coast.

They show the total number of recorded offences is at the lowest level since electronic records began in 1995-96.

Serious assaults resulting in injury have reduced for the second consecutive year and have hit a nine-year low. Public place assaults have also continued the downward trend and have hit a 12-year low and there has been a significant reduction in dwelling assaults.

Recorded burglary offences have risen, with dwelling burglaries up. Tasman District Commander Superintendent Richard Chambers said the figures highlighted an area that would see increased focus.

"Burglaries, along with vehicle thefts are our volume crime areas and we have a range of work under way to address this. We're also working closely with the community to ensure people understand the need to take all practical steps to protect their property.."

He said that while vehicle thefts were up slightly on the last two years, it was still well below levels recorded in the mid-1990s and had been trending down significantly over time. He said theft of property from vehicles was showing a similar trend.

Looking at the three Areas that make up the District, the West Coast recorded the largest decrease in recorded crime with -8.8 percent. West Coast also had the highest crime resolution rate at 55.9 percent.

All three Areas had significant reductions in Robbery, Extortion and Related Offences, with West Coast and Nelson Bays both -20 percent and Marlborough -15 percent.

Public Order Offences were also down across the board, with Marlborough recording -25.3, Nelson Bays -26.5 and West Coast -20.3.

"That sort of reduction can be directly attributed to proactive high visibility policing around bars and night spots," Superintendent Chambers said.

end

© Scoop Media