Crime rates coming down
The latest police statistics were released last week and show a very pleasing drop in crime, both locally and across New Zealand.
Recorded crime fell by 6% in Levin, 12% in Otaki and 20% in Foxton and Shannon. In Kapiti, recorded offences fell by 6.5%.
It’s great to see the hard work of the police making a difference, with the help of the community. Local police tell me that groups like Neighbourhood Support and the Night Patrol in Levin have had a major impact.
I’m proud to be part of a Government which has brought in tough new laws, boosted police numbers, and given them new tools to deal with crime. By the middle of this year Levin station will have five new police officers, the highest number in four years.
It’s now harder to get bail, parole has been tightened, and we have ‘three strikes’ legislation to keep the worst violent offenders off our streets.
Tasers are available more easily to police now, with the new Commissioner Peter Marshall saying he wants every patrol car to carry one now.
Every offender now pays a $50 levy to fund new services for victims of serious crime, and we’ve introduced Police safety orders to combat family violence. This means that police can issue orders on the spot to remove an alleged violent person from a home for up to five days.
Levin police have recently employed a family violence coordinator which they say has made a huge difference. ‘Life to the Max’ has also helped by providing a wrap-around service for vulnerable families.
New laws to come on alcohol will also be important, because we know that it plays a part in 30% of all offences. Kapiti police have been proactive on targeting alcohol abuse, and are even using Facebook to communicate with the public.
The police now have more power to crack down on gangs, as we’ve seen with the local raids in February. Around half a million dollars was seized along with vehicles, cash and other assets from bases in Otaki, Levin and Foxton.
The Police do a great job keeping our communities safe, but they need the support of the public as well. If you want to report any suspicious activity in your area please call crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.