Crime Drops Fourth Year in a Row

Crime levels in Queensland have continued a downwards trend for the fourth consecutive year, with the latest statistics revealing a 7% drop in the state’s overall crime rate.

The QPS Annual Statistical Review 2004-05 was recently tabled in Parliament by Minister for Police and Corrective Services Judy Spence, revealing decreases in offences such as homicide, robbery and sexual crimes.

Commissioner Bob Atkinson welcomed the results, praising officers for their commitment to making Queensland a safe place to live.

He said the 2004-05 results demonstrated the continued commitment of the QPS to reduce crime in Queensland.

“The results overall are very encouraging and we will continue to work at making Queensland a safe and secure place to live,” he said.

“Fighting crime is a race with no finishing line - no matter how good the results are in any year or category of crime, we will always strive to do better.”

Commissioner Atkinson said proactive and targeted policing initiatives had contributed to an increase in the number of offences detected in some categories.

“The rate of good order offences, which include disorderly conduct and offensive language, was up 3% and this can generally be put down to targeted initiatives in public places.”

Ms Spence commended police for their commitment to excellence and strengthening community partnerships.

“These latest figures show the crime rate is continuing to decrease, with police making substantial progress in a number of priority areas.

“Statewide, the number of murder offences dropped 15%. Kidnapping and abduction fell by 14%, armed robbery by 11% and credit card fraud dropped a massive 38%.”

Ms Spence said offences involving the two greatest assets a Queenslander will ever own - their house and their car – also dropped.

“In 2004-05, the rate of unlawful entry dropped 14% and the rate of unlawful use of motor vehicles was down 8%,” Ms Spence said. Information provided courtesy of the Police Bulletin.