Police are taking further steps to address the recent increase in burglary offending.

'While burglary rates are still below that of recent years, there has been an increase of more than 10 per cent over the past 12 months, which is of concern to police and something we are determined to tackle,” says Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

Nationally, police are seeing an increase in burglary offending. File photo.

'Police recognise the huge impact that dwelling burglary has on individuals, families and communities. It is an invasive crime that seriously effects its victims.

'Too often, New Zealanders are left with a diminished sense of safety and security as a result of their home being entered by an offender. Some – particularly older members of our community –can be left feeling more vulnerable as a result,” says Mike.

'As police, we come to work each day to help ensure that people are safe, and feel safe in their communities.

'That's why Police has taken a number of steps to help prevent and resolve dwelling burglary in our communities.”

These include:

• A national-level expectation that all house break-ins will be attended by police staff. This means either constabulary or scene of crime officers will attend a burglary within a reasonable time frame.
• Lifting the priority of dwelling burglary (house break-ins) from a ‘Volume' crime to a Priority offence, with extra support from our Intelligence groups.
• Ongoing district and national level operations to focus on burglary and youth offending.

'Formally lifting the priority level of dwelling burglary out of ‘volume' in Police's Case Management System sends a clear signal that Police is serious about burglary, and should put offenders on notice.

It will also have other benefits by improving file management and better enabling links to be made between cases to identify serial offenders,” says Mike.

'The expectation that staff will attend house break-ins also demonstrates Police's resolve to make our communities safer, and to provide the best support for victims.

'Given the nature of policing there will be occasions where we cannot attend a burglary for a range of reasons, including to adhere to the wishes of a victim.

'However, my intention for staff to attend the vast majority of these incidents is clear.”

Required system changes are expected to be completed in the coming weeks, alongside communication of the new processes to staff.

'Staff will be formally tasked about this new approach within the next two months.”

'These changes are designed to support the ongoing efforts of our people to deliver safer communities, free from victimisation.

'Police continues to encourage everyone to ensure their homes are locked and secure, to get to know their neighbours, and to report any suspicious activity to us,” says Mike.

'We know that crime is often driven by factors such as drug addiction, or lack of family support growing up, and Police also continues to work across the board under its Prevention First operating model.”

'But ultimately, police are committed to reducing victimisation and holding offenders to account.”