“NO SERIOUS CRIME”

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 59, 20 July 1938, Page 4

“NO SERIOUS CRIME”

339 MORE OFFENCES GISBORNE POLICE REPORT “The district has been free from crime of a serious nature during tlie year,” states the annual report of tile inspector in control of the Gisborne police district, Mr G. B. Edwards. The district includes-, tlie 0petiki borough and county. The- authorised strength of the force in the district on M.arch 31 was 42. 1 lie offences return for the tear showed a total el iota) oivcnccs reported, as compared with 1171 the -previous year, an increase pi 339. Airests or .summonses resulted in 101 l cases being dealt with, leaving 49 undetected? Tim most noticeable increases were false statements and declarations (Employment Act), house or shop breaking, forgery and uttering, drunkennes; using pr&iane, indecent, or obscene language; being intoxicated in charge of a motor vehicle, reckless or negligent driving, and other broaches of the Motor Vehicles Act. The offences showing a decrease were carnally knowing girls under 1G years, tliel't (petty), theft of animals, damaging telegraph equipment, found cm. licensed premises after closing hours, and Arms Act breaches.The conduct of the police in the district had been excellent.