Crime Statistics Agency figures show family violence order breaches in Rochester more than tripled in 12 months, reaching a 10-year high. Picture: image generated by AI.
Rochester’s domestic abusers are repeatedly ignoring their court-imposed orders - and at an alarming rate.
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Crime Statistics Agency figures show family violence order breaches more than tripled in a year from nine in the 12 months to June 2025 to 28 this year, a 10-year high.
But Rochester Police Station Commander Dale Simm said the dramatic increase did not necessarily represent a town-wide surge in offenders.
“The sharp increase in family violence breaches is our members charging a couple of recidivist offenders with a number of breaches,” Sergeant Simm said.
“There are the usual repeat offenders contributing.
“It’s also due to an increased police presence, which is great, but the reporting by affected family members also assisted with the rise.”
The figures reveal a stark divide in Rochester’s crime picture.
Overall offending fell 11 per cent, from 180 offences in 2025 to 160 this year, while crimes against people plunged 42 per cent, from 52 to 30.
It was the lowest number of crimes against people recorded since 2020.
Sgt Simm said increased police patrols had contributed to the fall.
However, justice procedures offences moved sharply in the opposite direction, climbing almost 43 per cent from 28 to 40.
Family violence order breaches accounted for the bulk of the increase.
Rochester Police Station Commander Dale Simm.
Photo by
steve Huntley
Sgt Simm said police remained deeply concerned each time an offender ignored an order designed to protect another person.
“Police are very concerned by people not complying, but by charging offenders and bringing them before the courts, it holds them accountable for their actions,” he said.
Criminal damage also edged higher, increasing from 11 to 15 offences.
While the numbers remained relatively small, Sgt Simm said police were monitoring the rise.
Repeat traffic offenders are another persistent problem, with drug driving, speeding and unlicensed driving continuing to demand police attention.
“We have several recidivist drivers who we keep detecting,” Sgt Simm said.
Despite those concerns, he said Rochester remained a strong community backed by a round-the-clock police presence.
“We have a great community in Rochester and the surrounding area,” Sgt Simm said.
His message to residents was simple: make it harder for offenders and speak up when something does not look right.
“Make sure your property and vehicles are secure,” he said.
“Do not forget to ring 000 if you see something suspicious, as we have 24-hour policing in the area.”
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