Simon Bridges welcomes continuing drop in crime
The Western Bay of Plenty's annual crime statistics show recorded crime has dropped by 17.4 per cent in 2011.
"This is great news", said local MP Simon Bridges.
"National has been focusing resources on frontline policing and crime prevention, and now we're seeing another drop in crime.
"These results are great news for our communities here. They reflect the hard work of our local police, as well as National's commitment to tackle crime and make our families safer in their homes and communities," Mr Bridges says.
"Nationally, recorded offences were down by 5.2 per cent, with 21,802 fewer crimes in the fiscal year to 30 June 2012. The crime rate per head of population fell by 5.9 per cent.
"This is the lowest number of offences in any fiscal year since the late 80s, and the lowest crime rate per head of population since before electronic records were maintained.
"Police are well on their way to reaching our target of an overall reduction in crime of 15 per cent by 2017. They are playing a huge part in helping us deliver on the Better Public Services target, which will mean 45,000 fewer crimes in our communities every year from 2017."
