Summary
Aim
The aim of this report is to present information on trends in recorded theft, robbery and drug offences as well as move-on incidents in the Kings Cross area from the extension of the MSIC pilot in late 2002 until June 2006.
Abstract
Trends in property and drug-related crime in Kings Cross were examined over the period from mid-2002 (when the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) operations were extended) through to mid 2006. Consistent with the findings of the original evaluation of the impact of the MSIC on crime, it was found that theft and robbery offences showed a similar, predominantly decreasing pattern in Kings Cross as was the case throughout the rest of Sydney. Recorded cases of dealing/trafficking in narcotics declined in both Kings Cross and the rest of Sydney. Recorded cases of possession/use of narcotics have remained stable in Kings Cross, but have declined throughout the rest of Sydney. Recorded cases of using and trafficking in amphetamines have shown no significant increase in Kings Cross but have significantly increased throughout the rest of Sydney. Recorded cases of possession/use of cocaine have increased in both Kings Cross and the rest of Sydney. Recorded cases of dealing and trafficking in cocaine briefly increased in Kings Cross (but not the rest of Sydney) but have since declined. The number of cocaine trafficking offences remains lower in Kings Cross than it was prior to the opening of the MSIC. There was a sharp increase in police ‘move ons’ in Kings Cross around the time the MSIC commenced operations in mid-2001. This change, however, probably reflects police efforts to prevent drug-related loitering rather than a real increase in drug-related loitering. It is concluded that the continued operation of the MSIC has not at this stage had an adverse impact on crime in Kings Cross.