Manukau becoming safer

The Herald reports:

Figures released to the Herald show that between July 2008 and June 2010, there were 23 murders in Counties-Manukau.

So far this calendar year, there have been only three murders. …

There have been other cuts in crime on the streets of Counties-Manukau, where 255 police officers have been added to the frontline:

* 80 per cent drop in bag snatching.

* 14 per cent drop in home burglaries.

* 18 per cent drop in other burglaries.

* 29 per cent drop in motor vehicle crime.

These are provisional figures from January 1 until last week, and are being compared with the same time period from the previous year.

That’s great news for Manukau residents. Still a long way to go, but it does show that extra policing can make a difference in key areas.