New figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that for the majority of offences reported in 2009, Tasmania’s victimisation rate is the lowest in the country.

Recorded Crime – Victims Australia 2009 contains statistics on victims for a number of selected offences recorded by police for the 2009 calendar year.

The ABS survey indicates that Tasmania’s rate in 2009 was below the national rate for the offence categories:

•    Attempted Murder, Manslaughter
•    Sexual Assault
•    Kidnapping / Abduction
•    Armed Robbery
•    Unarmed Robbery
•    Blackmail / Extortion
•    Unlawful Entry with Intent, and
•    Other theft.

In 2009 assaults in Tasmania continued to decrease, down by 5.6 per cent from the previous year. That follows a decrease of 7.6 per cent in 2008. In 2009, 66 per cent of assault victims knew each other.

“The level of assaults in Tasmania has been steadily decreasing for the past five years and we will continue to work to see this downward trend continue,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard.

Sexual assault decreased by 30 per cent (or 58 victims) in 2009. Tasmania’s victimisation rate for sexual assault was 27.5 (per 100,000 victims) compared to the national average of 86.

Robbery has remained below the national rate for the past 15 years, with rates for armed robbery in Tasmania decreasing by 4.5 per cent in 2009.

Victims of unarmed robbery increased by 29 in 2009, following a decrease of 30 the previous year, bringing the number back to the 2007 level. The number of victims reported in 2009 remains below the Tasmanian average for the last 10 years. Tasmania has the lowest victimisation rate for unarmed robbery for all states and territories, at 16 (per 100,000) compared to the national average of 40.

Motor vehicle theft decreased by six per cent in Tasmania in 2009.

Tasmania recorded nine murders last year, compared to two in 2008 and six in 2007.

“While there was an increase in this category, it is important to recognise that in Tasmania each year there are a relatively few of these crimes committed. We take all violent crimes particularly seriously and would obviously like to see this figure decrease,” Mr Tilyard said.

Today’s statistics also showed that in comparison to the national average, Tasmania recorded a higher proportion of investigations finalised at 30 days.

“Tasmania has the lowest victimisation rate of all states and territories for six out of eight offence categories reported in the publication,” Mr Tilyard said.

“The figures from today’s survey show that in many categories we have recorded improvements from the previous year and we will continue to strive to record further improvements,” Mr Tilyard said.

“We are further increasing our highly visible police presence, especially in public places with a particular focus on alcohol and drug related violence and anti social behaviour,” Mr Tilyard said.

The Minister for Police and Emergency Management, Lin Thorp, commended Tasmania Police for their efforts in 2009.

“It is reassuring that Tasmania continues to record the lowest victimisation rates in the country and Tasmanian police officers and others involved in the criminal justice system should be commended for their dedication and hard work,” Ms Thorp said.

Tasmania Police Media and Marketing Services
(03) 6230 2296