Big Issues Survey: Tasmanians increasingly concerned about crime

A growing number of Tasmanians are worried about crime, according to the Mercury’s Big Issues Survey. Crime Stoppers Tasmania boss on the crime rate.

Tasmania Police have recorded an increase in the crime rate, and are taking a number of measures in response.

That more Tasmanians are worried about crime reflects a rise in the overall crime rate, says the CEO of the state’s community crime fighting organisation.

Readers were asked a series of questions as part of The Mercury’s annual Big Issues Survey, including a number of questions on crime.

Over 60 per cent of 2437 respondents said they were worried about the level of crime in their community.

This compared with 48.8 per cent of respondents to the previous year’s survey.

In response to a question on whether people felt safe walking the streets after dark, 55.7 said yes, which was on par with last year’s survey.

On criminal sentencing, 64 per cent said punishments were too lenient, while 33.9 per cent said they were about right and 2.08 per cent said they were too harsh.

The survey results follow the release in October of Tasmania Police’s annual crime statistics, which showed offences in 2022-23 were up 26 per cent on the previous year.

The 32,522 total number of offences recorded was above the five-year average of 26,390.

The report said a 30 per cent rise in offences against property, an 11 per cent rise in offences against the person and a 20 per cent increase in fraud and similar offences contributed to the overall rise.

Tasmania Police say a small number of repeat offenders are largely to blame.

Tasmanian Police Inspector Jim Semmens, Crime Stoppers Tasmania CEO David Higgins and RACT CEO Mark Mugnaioni at a recent media event to discuss the rise in car theft in Tasmania. Picture: Mireille Merlet

Crime Stoppers Tasmania CEO David Higgins said it was a reasonable assumption the Mercury survey results reflected the recent documented rise in the crime rate.

“More people are being affected by crime and more people are concerned about crime,” Mr Higgins said.

“If you get your house broken into you’re a direct victim. But your family also share that apprehension and concern, and they tell their friends.”

Mr Higgins said over-reporting of youth crime was also driving concern about public safety.

“You’re seeing an increased in youth-related crime, but there’s also adults out there committing crime, we can’t lose sight of that,” he said.

“We need people to feel safe to go out into the community day and night. That’s why Tasmania police have ramped up their foot patrols.”

Tasmanians can do more to protect their property from crime. Istock

Mr Higgins said while Tasmania was a very safe place to live, increased car stealings and home burglaries highlighted that people could do more to protect themselves from crime.

“We are safe and we therefore are complacent in the security of our property,” he said.

“Don’t broadcast you are on holidays, if you have a good relationship with your neighbours, ensure that your mail is collected and parcels aren’t left on your doorstep.

“Don’t leave your key in your car, don’t leave your key in plain sight in your house.

“There’s a percentage of vehicles stolen from their own keys.”

The survey also showed Tasmanians wanted more action on child safety and family violence.

Only 46.04 per cent of respondents said they believed the state was doing enough to improve the safety of children.

An overwhelming majority of respondents, 89.80 per cent, said more needed to be done to address the incidence of family violence.