CRIME STATISTICS

Evening Star, Issue 22143, 25 September 1935, Page 16

CRIME STATISTICS

SLIGHT DECREASE DF OFFENCES SIXTEEN DEATHS FROM MURDER [From Our Parl« amentarv Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September. 24. The criminal statistics lor the yea ended December 31 last, revealed in the annual report of the Police Department, show an aggregate net decreas. of 1,016 on the figures of 1933. Tin: proportion of offences to population was 2.07 per cent., as against 2.15 per cent, in the previous year. Serious offences reported, and the number of offences in which arrests resulted during 1934, with the figures for 1933 in parentheses, were iis follow Arson.—Offences reported, 32 (14); arrests made, 7 (9). Robbery and aggravated robbery, 13 (11); 11 '(8). Burglary, breaking into shops and dwellings, etc., 1,274 (1,348); 831 (875). - Forgery and uttering, 218 (176); 213 (160). Murder, 16 (22); 4 (12). Attempted murder, 1 (3); 1 (3). Rape, 6 (5); 6 (6). Receiving stolen property, 155 (209) ; 155 (209). Wounding with intent, 4 (4); 4 ,(2). The report states that 16 deaths occurred as the result of murder, this being six less than the previous year, lu. respect of the 16 offences reported, there were nine offenders, four of whom (responsible between them for 11 deatns) committed suicide following their crimes, and four were committed for trial. In the remaining case the alleged offender had since been arrested, and was awaiting trial. Indecent and sexual offences totalled 472 in 1934, as compared with 502 in 1933. DUNEDIN DISTRICT, The crime record in the Dunedin police district in 1934, detailed by Superintendent Fraserj shows an almost stationary position; The total number of all offences committed was' 2,324, compared with 2,319 the previous 12 months, an increase of 5. Of all the offences reported, 2,199 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 125 undetected, or 95 per cent, detected. Of eases dealt with, 77 males and 38 females were committed for trial or sentence. Of these 64 males and 38 females were convicted. No _ serious crimes were committed during the year. Increases occurred under the headings of false pretences, forgery, breaches of the peace, assaulting, obstructing, or resisting constables, failing to, maintain wives and children, reckless or negligent driving and other breaches of the Motor Vehicles Act. There were decreases under the headings : False statements and declarations, assaults, thefts, drunkenness, unlawfully using horses or motor vehicles, etc., breaches of prohibition orders, found on licensed premises after closing hours, intoxicated in charge of a motor vehicle. The general conduct of the police during the past 12 months has been good, and their duties have been satisfactorily performed. Two constables were fined for breaches of the regulations and one constable dismissed. Superintendent Fraser adds that an increase of five constables is required, four for the city and one at Mosgiel, on account of tho amount of relieving duty to be performed, sickness, escort, and other causes. “At no time during the year,*' states the Superintendent, “ have 1 been able to send out full, relief on either day or night duty to fill all the beats. This means that a constable only works part of two beats, and the business part of the town is not sufficiently patrolled.”