Crime reduction results

• By Counties Manukau South Police

Counties Manukau South Area Police have achieved a significant reduction in crime over the past 12 months, recording 3,221 fewer offences across the area compared with the previous year.

The latest results show total crime has fallen by 13.2 percent, reflecting the efforts of the police staff and the strong partnerships built with communities and local stakeholders across the district.

Area Commander Jared Pirret says the results are a testament to the dedication of staff who work around the clock to keep people safe.

“Our staff are out there every day and night responding to emergencies, preventing crime, supporting victims, and holding offenders to account. They do an incredible job in often challenging and unpredictable circumstances, and I am immensely proud of every member of our team.”

Over the past year, South Area Police attended more than 81,000 calls for service, highlighting the scale and complexity of demand across one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing areas.

Police also responded to 8,195 family harm events, supporting vulnerable individuals and families while working alongside partner agencies to reduce harm and improve long-term outcomes.

Prevention activity remained a key focus, with staff conducting approximately 45,000 vehicle stops and more than 8,000 foot patrols throughout local communities, town centres, and shopping precincts.

Those efforts contributed to notable reductions across several key crime categories, including:

• 3.7 percent fewer burglaries
• 23.4 percent fewer stolen motor vehicles
• 36.1 percent fewer thefts from retail premises.

At the same time, theft resolution rates increased by 6.5 percent, meaning more offenders were identified and held accountable for their actions.

The positive results have also been reflected in community feedback.

Customer satisfaction increased by 15.5 percent to 81.4 percent, with more than eight in ten people who interacted with police reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received.

Pirret says the achievements were made possible through the collective efforts of police staff and the wider community.

“We are fortunate to have outstanding support from our emergency service partners, local councils, iwi, businesses, community organisations, volunteers, and residents who all play an important role in helping us keep people safe.”

While encouraged by the results, Pirret says the focus remains on maintaining momentum.

“Crime reduction doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because dedicated people come to work every day determined to make a difference. Our staff consistently demonstrate professionalism, courage and compassion, and our communities should be extremely proud of what has been achieved.”