Bay of Plenty crime rate record

Recorded crime in the Bay of Plenty has fallen to the lowest ever for district with the biggest drop in the Western Bay area, according to police statistics released today.

Recorded crime in the Bay of Plenty continued to fall in the year to June 30, 2012, with a decrease of 8.6 per cent one of the biggest reductions in the country.

When the population rise during this period is taken in to account it is the lowest crime rate ever recorded for the District.

Fiscal year figures released today show that a total of 34,886 offences were recorded 3,289 less offences than the previous year.

The Western Bay of Plenty also recorded a dramatic 17.4 percent drop in crime during the period. Figures released today show that a total of 12,020 offences were recorded.

This is 2,525 less offences than the previous year.

As the population in Western Bay also rose slightly the actual drop per 10,000 head of population was 18 percent.

The official statistics also show that two other Bay of Plenty Areas also had recorded crime reductions. Taupo recorded a reduction of 7.4 per cent and Rotorua recorded a drop of 3 per cent.

The Eastern Bay recorded a 1.5 per cent increase in recorded crime.