NSW:Police welcome drop in crime

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2010
NSW:Police welcome drop in crime

Police and politicians have welcomed new figures showing a fall in major categories
of crime across New South Wales.

But drug use remains a major concern .. with a continued sharp increase in cocaine
use and possession.

Quarterly crime statistics released today from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and
Research .. show nine of the 17 major categories of recorded crime were stable and eight
fell .. in the 24 months to September 2010.

There's been a nine per cent fall in assaults on licensed premises .. attributed to
tougher policies against pubs and clubs known for violence.

But there's been a 45 per cent increase in possession and/or use of cocaine .. while
possession and/or use of cannabis rose about 32 per cent .. and drug trafficking offences
went up by 68 per cent.

AAP RTV mdg/wjf/tm

KEYWORD: CRIME NSW (SYDNEY)

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