Crime rates across South Australia have continued to decline in the fourth consecutive month of year-on-year reductions, according to the latest figures from SA Police. December’s reports show that the number of criminal offences dropped by nearly 3 per cent compared to the previous year and showed more than a 3 per cent decrease from November alone.
Most significantly, property-related offences have had a 5 per cent drop in the year to December, equating to 4,457 fewer incidents. More severe crimes have also declined sharply, with homicide and related offences falling by 23 per cent and robbery and related offences against the person by 22 per cent. There was also an 8 per cent decrease in reported sexual assaults.
These results come as SA Police have boosted recruitment efforts, which is supported by increased state funding. This has enabled more sworn officers to return to frontline duties. Over 70 sworn police officers were moved from support roles like custody management to active frontline positions. This shift was made possible through the hiring of additional Protective Security Officers, which was funded by a State Government commitment of an additional $334 million to support SA Police operations.
Included in the recruitment boost was an investment of $82 million for the hiring of an extra 189 Police Security Officers.
Significant legal reforms have also been introduced. When Parliament convened last week, the government implemented the nation’s strictest knife laws, placed bans on publicising and glorifying criminal activity online, and initiated a concentrated crackdown on the theft of metals, such as copper.
Stephen MullighanΒ MP stated, “The Government is boosting funding to Police to help them get more officers onto the frontline and its pleasing to see this drop in offences.
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“The Police Commissioner has announced the creation of 70 more frontline policing positions which will bolster their efforts in tackling crime.
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“This is the fourth month year-on-year that crime has dropped, and we will keep working to continue that performance.”
The combination of legislative reforms, increased police funding, and strategic deployment of law enforcement resources appears to be delivering results in reducing crime rates across South Australia. As these initiatives continue to take full effect, further improvements in public safety and crime prevention are expected.
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