ASSAULTS, sexual assaults, robberies, burglaries, property damage and motor vehicle thefts are down in the ACT, but there has been an increase in thefts for the third quarter of this year.

The latest crime statistics show the territory experienced a decrease of 29 per cent in the number of property damage reports received by police when compared to the third quarter 2011 report (July to September).

Overall, the ACT has experienced a 16.7 per cent decrease in the total number of offences reported to police when compared with the same quarter last year.

But while burglaries across the Territory declined by 2.9 per cent, the Gungahlin district had an increase in the number of burglaries reported, with a spate of burglaries on newly constructed houses in the new areas around Crace, Bonner and Casey.

Another notable decline was in relation to assaults.

“Across the Territory we saw a decrease of 18 per cent, and in particular, around the inner north area, a decline of 25 per cent.  Given this is the major entertainment precinct, these number are encouraging, but with the warmer months approaching we need to remain on top of this issue.”

This quarter’s results build on the performance of the 2011–12 financial year, with the ACT Policing Annual Report confirming the lowest rate of property offences (motor vehicle theft, burglaries, property damage etc) in the ACT for more than 10 years.

The interactive CrimeStatistics can be found at police.act.gov.au