Crime statistics looking great!

ACT Policing has continued to experience a decline in offences across the board according to the latest quarterly crime statistics for 2013, which show a 13 per cent decrease throughout the ACT when compared with the same period in 2012.

All of the offence types defined by the ACT Policing CrimeStatistics webpage experienced a decrease when compared with the same quarter last year, with the most significant decrease shown in robbery (down 37 per cent) and motor vehicle theft (down 29 per cent).

While all of the seven ACT regions experienced a decline in reported offences across the board, Weston Creek led the way with a 33 per cent decrease when compared with the same quarter in 2012. This was followed by the ACT’s rural areas (down 20 per cent) and Tuggeranong (down 17 per cent). Woden experienced the smallest decrease of 4 per cent.

The quarterly results are consistent with a 10 per cent decrease in offences overall when comparing the 2012-13 financial year with 2011-12. The decline over the past year continues a five-year downward trend in reported crimes and offences in the ACT.

When comparing the year-to-date results the trend is continued, showing an 11 per cent decrease in reported offences during the first three quarters of 2013 when compared with the same period last year.

ACT Policing Intelligence and Crime Reduction Acting Superintendent Harry Hains said while offence rates are down, it is important not to get complacent when it comes to combatting crime.

“It is pleasing to see crime statistics reflecting the positive results of ACT Policing’s intelligence-led model and effective initiatives such as the Regional Targeting Team and the Property Crime Reduction Strategy, which is a joint ACT Policing and ACT Government initiative.”

“However, just as it is important for police to continually improve our service; it’s important that the public remains security conscious and vigilant against crime.”

“It’s now a good time to reassess your home security arrangements, as the warmer weather approaches and thieves become more active in Canberra’s suburbs. Tips about household security are available on the ACT Policing website.”

The latest data is available on the interactive CrimeStatistics webpage at police.act.gov.au.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]