CRIME IN NEW ZEALAND.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5009, 4 August 1926, Page 1

CRIME IN NEW ZEALAND.

INCREASE LAST YEAR.

DRUNKENNESS HEADS THE; LIST.

A net increase of 3455 in the number of offences reported to the police authorities last year -isi revealed in .the annual report of the Commissioner of Police, which was presented to Parliament last week. The propor tian of offences to the population was, 2.16 per cent., as against 1:95 per cent, for the previous year.

The report §ets out the following as being the principal increases : — CommPn assault (184), petty theft (4'B), theft from dwellings (30), false pretences (93), burglary, housebreaking, etc,, (127), receiving stolen goods (30), forgery (25), breaches of the peace (174) drunkenness (809), unlawfully using horses, motor-cars,, etc., (64), trespassing on racecourses (51), failing to maintain wives, children, etc. (163), ship desertion (95), offences against discipline on ships (697), selling liquor after.hours (58), breaches, of Motor Vehicles A'ct (494).

Decreases were recorded in the following, cases : Unnatural offences (27), conspiracy to defraud (21), assaulting or obstructing police (36), unlawful betting (42), drunkenness or offensive behaviour on railways, (41), breaches of Arms Act (187), being found In gaming' house (66), offences, against Licensing Act in Native proclaimed area (63).

Auckland easily headed the, Ijst for the most offences reported, the number being 8544, as against Wellington’s 4709, Christchurch’s 3460, and Dunedin’s 1497. *

There, was an increase of 807 in the number of prosecutions, for drunkenness during the year. In conclusion the Commissioner urged tins neee-ssitj r of a.n early increase in the strength of the force. He recommended that provision be made for the appointment of 50 constable®.