DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

With figures released this week showing that domestic violence has increased 40 per cent over the last ten years, it is clear that considerable extra effort needs to be done to get more transparency on this crime and to provide extra support for those partners who want to get out from these destructive relationships. They are not only destructive to the partner but also are both psychologically and often physically destructive for the children caught up in the situation. The increased transparency on this crime is an area that Crimestoppers can directly contribute to. As I have commented before lack of action by neighbours, friends and relatives can mean that tragic situations eventuate. It is no use bemoaning the fact that you have done nothing to intercede in the situation after a tragedy has occurred. Be pre-emptive and take action before tragedy strikes. No one says its easy. These situations need courage. Let us do something for our most vulnerable citizens. BE PRE-EMPTIVE. If you know about violent domestic situations ring the police and prevent a possible tragedy. If you find this too difficult and want to stay anonymous, then ring Crimestoppers on 0800555111 or use the online message form on Crimestoppers website at crimestoppers-nz.org

STATISTIC FOR FIRST FIVE MONTHS

Crimestoppers has now been operating in New Zealand for five months and New Zealanders are continuing to provide information on crime by using the crimeline 0800 555 111 (used by 80%) and the online message form (used by 20%). We have now received over 2,600 calls with over 1100 being categorised as actionable. The calls continue to be received from all over the country. In the last month 72% from the North Island, with just over 50% coming from the Auckland region and 28% from the South Island with about 80% coming from the Christchurch region. Most information received is about drug crimes, followed by theft in all its forms, traffic violations, wanted persons, illegal weapons, sexual offences, murder and assault. The trend established indicates that Crimestoppers is becoming embedded in our society as another way of dealing with crime in our communities. There have been a number of articles in the media about some positive outcomes resulting from information provided by Crimestoppers. The latest edition of the Police Ten One magazine has a number of stories about Crimestoppers and just last night (18 Mar) stuff.co.nz had a story about arrests in South Auckland flowing from information provided by Crimestoppers. However, crime, like rust, never sleeps, and we need to be continually on the look out for crime and criminals and be prepared to ring the Police or if this is not possible provide that information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the online message form. We will get safer communities and a better business environment if we play our part in the reporting process. Ignoring crime will not make it go away - you will in fact encourage crime with that approach.