The New Zealand police have just released some 2020 crime statistics. As specialists in the supply and installation of alarm systems in NZ, we always keep a keen eye on these things and we thought we’d share a few of them with you.
It is crimes against property that the police deal with in the vast majority of cases. 73% of crimes are committed against property, with 27% against people. This simply highlights the need for a comprehensive security solution when looking to protect your home or office. But in some good news, the increasing use of devices like alarm systems, CCTV and access control systems is happening at the same time that crime stats are decreasing. According to the New Zealand police, total victimisations for the 12 months ending 30 November 2020 were down by 3.8% from the previous 12 months.
In more good news, burglary victimisations decreased by 11.8% compared with the previous 12 months. The police say that 7 out of 10 burglaries are residential burglaries, with most of them happening in the early afternoon. Meanwhile, theft victimisations decreased by 6.6% compared with the previous 12 months.
Can alarm systems, security cameras and the like take all of the credit for this decrease? There is strong evidence that there is a connection between the implementation of technologically advanced security devices and the reduction in victimisations, as the police like to put it. This is backed up by research carried out overseas. For example, 60% of professional criminals in a recent American study said they found modern security systems to be a very strong deterrent.
It’s important to remember that 7 out of 10 burglaries are residential burglaries. This is no surprise. Most commercial premises have alarm systems, CCTV, access control systems and monitoring. On the other hand, the vast majority of New Zealand houses have no security measurements in place. They’re easy targets and the criminal fraternity of New Zealand need little invitation when they see nothing to deter them. If only New Zealander were just as concerned about protecting their homes as they are their businesses.
The stats might be coming down but they’re still too high. Our security products and services are helping in the fight against crime but a greater uptake and investment in what we do would make things even better. Security systems work. We wouldn’t have been in business for so long if they didn’t so contact us to discuss a security solution that will prevent you from becoming a statistic in 2021, and beyond.