Survey reveals residents feel safe in CBD

24-06-2008

Rotorua is a place to live, with decreased crime, and more trustworthy people according to a recent survey released today.

Eighty three percent of local residents feel Rotorua is “definitely” a safe place to live, 3.6% more than in previous years, according to the independent survey of perceptions of safety commissioned by Rotorua District Council.

Conducted by APR Consultants, more than 400 residents participated in the 2008 telephone survey.

As well as feeling the city is a safe place to live, residents feel more safe in the CBD during the day, and have become more confident in reporting crime.

While fewer people feel there are unsafe places to park their vehicles in the district, vehicle safety in the CBD in the evening has become a concern. 

RDC community safety projects officer, Juanita Seymour, says there has been an overall improvement in people’s perception of safety since the survey began in 2005.

“The increased concern about the safety of vehicles in the CBD is not entirely surprising given the high profile this crime type has in our district, however, the reality is that car crime has actually been trending down in the district.”

RDC will continue focussing its efforts on reducing alcohol related violence and disorder, and family violence, and will be working toward accreditation as a World Health Organisation (WHO) Safe City over the coming year.

The Perceptions of Safety Survey is part of an ongoing monitoring tool for Rotorua District Council and provides residents with an opportunity to have their say on matters of personal safety, safety in neighbourhoods, and safety in public places such as the CBD.

2005 Perceptions of Safety Survey - Full Report