Crime means behaviour that breaks criminal law and harms or threatens people, property, businesses, or communities. The seriousness and response depend on what happened, the immediate danger, the evidence, and the needs of the people affected. New Zealand Police are the main public service for preventing crime, responding to emergencies, investigating reports, and referring cases into the justice system. Call 111 when someone is in immediate danger, a serious offence is happening, or urgent police help is needed. Use the Police non-emergency service, commonly known as 105, for matters that are not happening now and do not require immediate danger response. A report can still be important even when an offender is not identified or property is not recovered. Common forms of crime include burglary, theft, robbery, assault, property damage, vehicle-related crime, fraud, scams, cybercrime, and family or sexual violence. Some offences happen between people who know each other, so safety planning and support may be especially important. After a report, Police may gather statements, photographs, digital records, physical evidence, and information from witnesses. A case may proceed through the courts, be resolved through another justice process, or remain under investigation when evidence is limited. Victims can need medical care, a safe place, emotional support, help with practical losses, and information about the justice process. Support may come from Police, health services, specialist organisations, trusted people, or community and iwi networks. Prevention usually combines secure homes and vehicles, careful handling of personal information, safer online habits, good lighting, awareness of surroundings, and early help when threats or controlling behaviour appear. No precaution can remove all risk, and responsibility always remains with the person who commits the offence. Do not confront a suspected offender when doing so could increase danger. Move to safety, call the appropriate service, preserve evidence, write down what you remember, and avoid sharing sensitive details publicly before seeking advice.
Crime in New Zealand
Crime in New Zealand includes theft, burglary, assault, family violence, vehicle crime, scams, and online offences. New Zealand Police respond to emergencies and investigate reported offences, while courts and support services deal with what follows. Knowing when to call 111, when to use 105, and how to protect evidence helps people act safely.
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