The latest quarterly update from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and research (BOCSAR) for the past 24 months to June 2015, shows that crime figures continue to reflect the hard work of the NSW Police in driving down crime and keeping it down. NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, has welcomed the latest results which show that 17 of the major crime categories are either stable or falling.
The latest data also shows a significant drop in six of the 17 major categories:
* Robbery without a weapon (down 13.8 per cent);
* Robbery with a firearm (down 13.8 per cent);
* Robbery with a weapon not a firearm (down 19.4 per cent);
* Break and enter dwelling (down 5.8 per cent);
* Steal from person (down 9.8 per cent) and
* Malicious damage to property (down 8.7 per cent)
The report also states that shooting offences have remained stable.
BOCSAR notes that increases in other crime categories, are primarily linked to pro-active policing strategies. Commissioner Scipione said it was important to recognise how the report linked these increases to concentrated law enforcement. This is particularly relevant regarding current drug-possession rates, Commissioner Scipione said, which reflect a targeted policing approach aimed at de-constructing the availability and circulation of drugs in the community. “NSW Police will continue to work hard to tackle the scourge of illegal drugs and the detrimental impact they are having on our communities, Commissioner Scipione said.
The following crime categories have been linked to pro-active policing:
* Receiving or handling stolen goods (up 6.3 per cent);
* Possession and /or use of cocaine (up 47.2 per cent);
* Possession and/or use of narcotics (up 10.1 per cent);
* Possession and/or use of cannabis (up 7.4 per cent);
* Possession and/or use of amphetamines (up 38.1 per cent);
* Dealing, trafficking in ecstasy up (36.4 per cent);
* Prostitution offences (30.6 per cent);
* Breach bail conditions up (8.7 per cent);
* Transport regulatory offences up (38.1 per cent).
Commissioner Scipione said overwhelmingly, this quarter’s results accurately reflect the enduring good work by the officers of the NSW Police Force. “It is also great to see the NSW Police Force and the community work together to keep crime down. “The men and women of the NSW Police Force will continue to work tirelessly to keep the people of NSW safe and secure. “Today’s results are a clear indication of their daily dedication and resilience in performing their duties,” Commissioner Scipione said.
Protecting children is everyone’s business – National Child Protection Week
Senior police are urging the community to play their part in the safety and wellbeing of children and young people throughout the state.
Now in its 25th year, National Child Protection Week ran from 6-12 September 2015, and aimed to encourage the safety of children through awards, events, programs and resources.
To coincide with the 2015 event, NSW Police Force has launched new child safety tip sheets and safety videos, focusing on protecting your child online. NSW Police Force’s Corporate Sponsor for Youth, Assistant Commissioner Jeff Loy, said the online environment poses an increasing danger for children.
“While the vast majority of child abuse is perpetrated by someone known to the child, we must still be aware of the potential of harm from strangers and online predators,” Assistant Commissioner Loy said.
“Parents and carers need to talk to children about the potential dangers on social media and other sites, and make sure they know how to protect themselves online. “With the assistance of the Sex Crimes Squad’s ‘Child Exploitation Internet Unit’, we have developed a tip sheet – which is available in eight languages – to help parents with this important conversation,” Assistant Commissioner Loy said.
The tip sheets and a video is available on the NSW Police Force website at: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/crime_prevention/crime_prevention_tips.
“Another crucial conversation to have with kids is ‘Safe People, Safe Places’, which helps children identify where to go or who to talk to if they feel uncomfortable or in danger when away from home,” Assistant Commissioner Loy said.
More information about the work of NSW Police Force’s Youth Command can be found at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/youth.
The Indian Telegraph Sydney Australia