Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is appreciative of police work in the Bay of Plenty that has seen the region's crime rate drop 2.2 per cent per head of population in 2010.

'National is committed to taking action on violent crime and making our local communities safer,” says Simon.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

'We're backing our police and support them in their work.

'We've introduced tough new legislation and given police new tools to deal with crime.

'It's great to see National's commitment and the hard work of our police making such a positive difference in the Bay of Plenty.

'I'd like to commend district commander Superintendent Glenn Dunbier and his staff for their dedication and hard work in keeping our community safe,” says Simon.

Of all recorded crime in the district last year, the theft and related offences division recorded the highest percentage (29 per cent of the total) followed by unlawful entry with intent/burglary/break and enter (13.6 per cent).

'While we're pleased to see a drop in recorded crime, our crime rate is still too high.

'National will continue to work with police to bring criminals to justice, address the drivers of crime, and send a clear signal that crime won't be tolerated.”