Stuart Ayres med rel: Best crime stats on record for NSW

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres has welcomed a report showing the best crime statistics on record for NSW with all major crime categories having fallen or remained stable across the State.

According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics (BOCSAR), 10 of the 17 major offence categories have fallen with seven remaining stable in the 24 months to September 2014.

“In light of last quarter’s excellent results, this is particularly outstanding,” Mr Ayres said.

“It’s the second time in a row, and in the Bureau’s history, where none of the major crime offences increased here in NSW.

“Our police have outdone themselves and I congratulate them for their relentless efforts in preventing and investigating crime.”

The offences trending down were:

1. assault – non-domestic violence related (down 8.1 per cent)

2. robbery without a weapon (down 20.4 per cent)

3. robbery with a weapon not a firearm (down 9.7 per cent)

4. break and enter dwelling (down 8.7 per cent)

5. break and enter non-dwelling (down 16.4 per cent)

6. motor vehicle theft (down 12.4 per cent)

7. steal from motor vehicle (down 7.5 per cent)

8. steal from retail store (down 9.1 per cent)

9. steal from person (down 15.9 per cent)

10. malicious damage to property (down 12.4 per cent)

Away from the major crime categories, there has been a 26 per cent increase in charges over amphetamine possession due to proactive policing.

“I’ve seen first-hand, through the work of police, the destruction insidious drugs like ice have on users and their families,” Mr Ayres added.
“Police have my unwavering support when it comes to cracking down on this deadly chemical concoction.”
There has also been a 29 per cent increase in prohibited and regulated weapons offences.

NSW recorded a 17 per cent downward trend in non-fatal shootings.

“These statistics show police are doing a fantastic job using the powers we have given them to get guns off the street and further proves initiatives like Operation Talon are working,” Mr Ayres said.

“The NSW Government will continue working with police to ensure they have the powers and resources they need to keep our communities safe.

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

NSW Police Force numbers are now at an all-time record with authorised strength at 16,396.