Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today welcomed the latest quarterly report by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) which shows the majority of crime categories have remained stable.
Mr Elliott said the BOCSAR report shows that 13 out of the 17 major crime categories remained stable over the 24 months to March 2020.
“NSW Police officers dedicate their lives to the safety and protection of the community and I thank them for their tireless efforts to keep crime rates low,” Mr Elliott said.
“We are delivering 1500 new police – the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years – as part of a record investment to bolster police numbers and increase crime fighting capability.
“The community can rest assured that we have a record number of police on the beat conducting increased Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) checks as part of our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
“In this first quarter of 2020, police conducted an additional 3,684 checks compared to the previous year.”
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the spike in reported domestic violence assault and sexual assault was concerning, but could also reflect increased proactive policing and the willingness of victims to report abuse.
“Police are on the front foot targeting high risk domestic violence offenders more than ever to ensure offenders are held accountable and victims are kept safe,” Mr Speakman said.
“At the same time, the NSW and Federal Governments have together invested more than $21 million in frontline domestic violence services and other supports so that when a victim is ready to report abuse, they can be confident that help is available.”
Three categories showed an increase: the number of recorded domestic assaults (up 4.1 per cent), the number of sexual assaults (7.9 per cent), and the number of incidents of robbery with a weapon not a firearm (up 10.5 per cent). Steal from person trended down, showing a 10.4 per cent decrease.
The 13 major crime categories that remained stable are:
- Murder;
- Non-domestic violence related assault;
- Indecent assault, act of indecency and other sexual offences;
- Robbery with a firearm;
- Robbery without a weapon;
- Break and enter dwelling;
- Break and enter non-dwelling;
- Motor vehicle theft;
- Steal from motor-vehicle;
- Steal from retain store;
- ·Steal from dwelling;
- Fraud; and
- Malicious damage to property.
For more information go to www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au.