Stuart Ayres med rel: Minister praises police following quarterly crime statistics

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has released its quarterly update of NSW crime statistics for the 24 months to March 2014.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres is pleased to see most major crime categories are either stable or falling.

“Specifically, 14 of the 17 major offence categories have remained stable or are going down in the 24 months to March 2014,” Mr Ayres said.

“This is a pleasing result and I congratulate the NSW Police Force for their untiring efforts in preventing crime and investigating offences,” he said.

Only three major offence categories have seen an increase over the two year period (fraud – up 8.6%), (indecent assault – up 12.1%) and (domestic violence-related assault – up 2.5%).

BOCSAR again reports that most incidents of fraud relate to unauthorised uses of lost or stolen credit cards and bank cards.

The most identifiable theft is stealing of cards from vehicles, houses and letterboxes, which are then used illegally.

“This is a good reminder to remain vigilant with your credit card and bank card information.

Regularly monitor your statements to ensure there are no unauthorised charges or fraudulent activity.

This is particularly important if you use your card for online transactions, or have a ‘pay-pass’ (or tap-and-go) feature on your cards.

“You are your best protection when it comes to identifying this type of fraud.”

Indecent assaults are also up (12.1%).

“The increase in indecent assaults likely reflects a combination of heightened media attention being given to the issue of child sexual abuse and increased efforts by police and other organisations to increase reporting.”

The BOCSAR report also shows that assaults against police are up (12.1%), largely driven by incidents of resist arrest.

“The increase in assaults against police shows that officers are actively patrolling the streets and combating crime.

“The decrease in non-domestic alcohol related assault may be due to recent measures by the NSW Government to reduce drug and alcohol-fuelled violence in public places.”

Shooting offences continue to be stable when measured across the two, five and 10 year periods leading up to March 2014.

However, prohibited and regulated weapons offences are up 25%.

“The increase in weapons offences are likely due to proactive policing efforts such as Operation Talon, which is focusing on gun crime.”

The BOCSAR report shows a 25.6% increase in transport regulatory offences in the 24 months to March 2014.

“Since Police Transport Command commenced operations in May 2012, there has been an ongoing pro-active policing on the public transport network, which has resulted in the increased detection of transport offences.

“I once again commend the men and women of the NSW Police Force on an outstanding effort in keeping our communities safe,” Mr Ayres concluded.