Big increases in the rates of crimes such as sexual offences, offences against good order and driving offences have been shown in previously unpublished crime statistics, Shadow Police Minister Rob Lucas said today.
“Whilst the Rann Government is quick to boast about reductions in crime statistics for other crimes, they have not highlighted these worrying figures,” Mr Lucas said.
Figures prepared by the Office of Crime Statistics and Research this year show:
2001 2005 Increase (%)
Sexual Offences 2161 2352 +8.8
Offences against good order 29,283 34,919 +19.2
Driving Offences 49,280 64,683 +31.3
“Whilst other crime statistics have followed national trends by declining, it is disturbing to note that sexual offences have gone against this trend and are increasing,” Mr Lucas said.
“The Rann Government should initiate an immediate review into the reasons for this increase.
“According to the State Strategic Plan progress report, the Rann Government is making little/no/negative movement towards its goal of reducing crime rates to the lowest in Australia within ten years.
“The Rann Government should explain why there has been such a big increase in these important crime statistics at a time when it is boasting its success in reducing crime rates.”