Story: Victims of crime

Percentage of crimes known to police, 2006

Percentage of crimes known to police, 2006

For various reasons, including fear, shame, and unwillingness to go through the ordeal of a trial, many victims do not report crimes. A 2006 survey found that only 32% of crimes became known to police, either through the statement of a victim or another person. Less serious offences, such as vehicle theft, were far more likely to be reported – probably because this is a condition of claiming insurance. More serious confrontational types of crime such as threats were less likely to be reported. While 36% of assaults were reported, only 9% of sexual offences became known to police.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey 2006, Ministry of Justice

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Victims of crime - The victim’s experience', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/graph/26839/percentage-of-crimes-known-to-police-2006 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 15 Jul 2018