July crime statistics

The July rolling year crime statistics reveal a 30 per cent surge in incidents – from 622 to 808 - during the period. This is the eleventh successive rise in such offending.

Acting Assistant Commissioner (Metropolitan Operations Service) David O’Donovan said the continuing increasing number highlighted the dangers that confront police officers daily.

“It is unacceptable, this figure has been increasingly steadily since September last year and we are working to examine and understand the cause of that increase,’’ he said.

“Police do not expect to be assaulted when they are at work, but unfortunately for many this is a reality. Just like everyone else, police officers have the right to return home safely to their family at the end of every shift.

“Offenders should be aware there are significant penalties – including prison sentences – in place for anyone convicted of this type of offending.’’

AC O’Donovan said there was no single factor contributing to the increase, but alcohol and drug consumption and mental health all play a significant role.

“While the vast majority of community interactions are positive, even a single assault on an officer is one too many,’’ he said.

“It is a reasonable expectation from both police and the community that the strong legal protections available to the judiciary are used to send a very clear message that violence against emergency service workers is unacceptable.’’

The latest statistics reveal a continued decline in homicide and related offences and another decrease in robberies and theft. Residential and non-residential break-ins have recorded a slight increase during the period.

The number of robberies decreased by 16 per cent in the period – from 513 to 430 offences. The decrease, driven by the targeting of recidivist offenders, is the eleventh successive drop in recorded offences.

Within the theft category, motor vehicle theft and related offences increased by two per cent – or 249 offences – from 11,148 to 11,397 incidents reported. Theft from a person decreased by nine per cent - or 1,242 offences – from 14,176 to 12,934 offences.

Theft from retail premises declined by four per cent in the period – or 807 offences – from 22,667 to 21,860 incidents reported. The decrease is attributed to the decline in petrol theft incidents and the continuing targeting of recidivist shoplifters.

Homicide and related offences have again declined with a 20 per cent decrease – or 11 offences – from 56 to 45 reported incidents.

Within that category murder decreased by 27 per cent – or three offences – from 11 to eight reported incidents. The number of attempted murders decreased by 29 per cent – from 24 to 17 offences – while manslaughter or driving causing death decreased by five per cent – from 21 to 20 reported offences.

The number of sexual offences reported in the period decreased slightly with a two per cent decline reported – the fourth successive decrease in offending.

Within that category aggravated sexual assault remained almost static with 1,612 offences reported, non-aggravated sexual assault declined by 20 per cent – or 102 offences – from 501 to 399 offences reported – while child procurement or grooming dropped by 58 per cent – or 53 offences – from 92 to 39 reported incidents.

The number of reported break-ins has increased by four per cent during the period. Residential serious criminal trespass increased by 260 incidents – from 5,654 to 5,914 incidents – while non-residential incidents increased by 57 incidents – from 3,430 to 3,487 offences.