Crime levels in Tasmania have dropped with new figures released by Tasmania Police on Friday revealing the lowest number of armed robberies in almost two decades.
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The annual Crime Statistics Supplement for the 2015-16 financial year showed a 10 per cent overall decrease, which police said was largely due to a decrease in property offences.
Tasmania has seen a 7 per cent decrease in robbery offences with the number of armed robberies the lowest in the state since the 1996-97 financial year.
While burglary, stealing and arson offences have fallen, fraud related offences increased by 13 per cent.
Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said police had focused on property crime through the statewide Crime Response Plan which had contributed to the positive results.
“These figures show our Crime Response Plan, which was reviewed and updated last year to respond to the crime trend, is working well,” Mr Frame said.
“There is always more work to be done.
“Tasmania Police will continue to focus on reducing crime.”
Police said the response plan includes targeting crime hotspots through education, crime prevention strategies and targeting offenders.
Through the plan police has used social media to identify and locate offenders by establishing its Wanted Wednesday campaign.
Key statistics
- Burglary down 23 per cent
- Stealing (excluding motor vehicles) down 13 per cent
- Building burglaries down 26 per cent
- Stolen motor vehicles down 17 per cent
- Arson and related offences down 18 per cent
- Injure/destroy property offences down 4 per cent
Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
