Crime stats: Domestic violence out in the open, says PM

Prime Minister Helen Clark says a big rise in recorded domestic violence offences is because the issue has been brought "out from under the carpet".

Annual crime statistics released today showed a small drop in the crime rate for the year ended June 30, but a surge in reported family violence offences which pushed overall violent crime up 11 per cent.

The family violence sub-category rose by 29 per cent.

Miss Clark said violent crime was an ongoing concern, but the rise in today's figures was driven by increased reporting of domestic violence due to the high-profile "It's not okay" campaign.

"The fact is we are working to bring that serious issue out from under the carpet so it can be dealt with openly," she told reporters.

"So it may not be that there is any more violence in the homes, but that we are getting to know about it and can then do something about it."

The figures showed 107 more offences were recorded in the year than in the June 2007 year. Adjusted for the population increase in the same period, it was a 1 per cent decrease, police said.

Miss Clark welcomed the overall drop in the crime rate, while Police Minister Annette King praised police for an increase in the proportion of cases they solved.

Police resolved 9685 more offences in the year, increasing the resolution rate to 47 per cent from 44.7 per cent in the previous period.

"I believe that shows that the way police are working alongside their communities is paying off," Ms King said.

She said the rise in domestic violence was entirely responsible for 11 per cent rise in violent offending and New Zealand's streets were no more dangerous than in previous years.

As well as the "It's not okay" campaign all frontline police had now undertaken mandatory training in family violence investigation and risk assessment.

She said that had raised people's trust that if they made a complaint it would be dealt with appropriately.

Ms King said a 5.9 per cent increase in drug and antisocial offences was due to more effective policing.

Police Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls said nationally more than half this increase was due to a 22 per cent increase in breach of liquor bans.

"In recent years liquor bans have proven to be a highly effective tool in helping curtail public place disorder."

Methamphetamine offences dropped 18 per cent from their peak two years ago.

The only drug offences to increase were cannabis offences, up 6 per cent.

Mr Nicholls said the increase was driven by a 34 per cent increase in cannabis dealing offences and "reflects a police strategy of targeting drug dealers".

Dishonesty offences, which make up 52 per cent of all offences, reduced 5 per cent.

Eastern district was the only area to recorded a fall in property damage offences.

Property damage has significantly increased over the last three years due to graffiti and tagging problems, Mr Nicholls said.

A new offence code was created last year to capture graffiti statistics and enable monitoring of the problem.

- NZPA