Crime statistics offence descriptions

This document was last updated on 02/02/2004
© 2004 Western Australia Police Service Crime statistics offence descriptions Page 1
Crime statistics offence descriptions
To assist readers in understanding the offence categories used in the crime statistics tables, descriptions are provided below. As several categories constitute an aggregation of many related types of offence, the descriptions reflect the common elements of such offences.
Please note that on 1 July 2001, the offence categories underwent a significant change to reflect the adoption of the Australian Standard Offence Classification (ASOC). Current statistics appearing on this site, including historical figures, have been recalculated to reflect the new categories. However, care should be exercised when comparing current and historical statistics from this site with figures obtained prior to July 2001.
The following offence descriptions are based on ASOC definitions. However, It is important to note that these descriptions do not constitute a precise legal definition in accordance with Western Australian legislation, but are intended as a guide only.
Should more information about offences and their definition be required, please refer to the relevant legislation, such as the Criminal Code, which can be accessed through the State Law Publisher (www.slp.wa.gov.au).
Murder The unlawful killing of another person where there is either the intent to kill, or the intent to cause grievous bodily harm with the knowledge that it was probable that death or grievous bodily harm would occur, or without intent to kill in the course of committing a crime.
Attempted Murder The attempted unlawful killing of another person where there is either the intent to kill, or the intent to cause grievous bodily harm with the knowledge that it was probable that death or grievous bodily harm would occur but where death did not actually occur.
Manslaughter The unlawful killing of another person while deprived of the power of self-control by provocation or under circumstances amounting to diminished responsibility or without intent to kill, as a result of a careless, reckless, negligent, unlawful or dangerous act.
Driving Causing Death The unlawful killing of another person without intent to kill, as a result of culpable, dangerous, reckless, or negligent driving.
Aggravated Sexual Assault A sexual assault is a physical contact of a sexual nature directed toward another person where that person does not give consent, gives consent as a result of intimidation or fraud, or consent is proscribed (i.e. the person is legally deemed incapable of giving consent because of youth, temporary/permanent (mental) incapacity or there is a familial relationship). An Aggravated Sexual Assault is a sexual assault involving any of the following aggravating circumstances:
This document was last updated on 02/02/2004
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• sexual intercourse (i.e. oral sex and/or penetration of either the vagina or anus by any part of the human body or by any object); • infliction of injury or violence on the person; • possession/use of a weapon; • consent proscribed; or • committed in company (i.e. by two or more persons).
Aggravated Sexual Assault includes Incest, Rape, Unlawful sexual intercourse, Unlawful fellatio/ cunnilingus and Carnal knowledge.
Non-Aggravated Sexual Assault Non-Aggravated Sexual Assault is a sexual assault not involving any of the aggravating circumstances as defined in Aggravated Sexual Assault. It includes Indecent Assault not involving any aggravating circumstances.
Aggravated Assault The direct (and immediate/confrontational) infliction of force, injury or violence upon a person or persons or the direct (and immediate/confrontational) threat of force, injury or violence where there is an apprehension that the threat could be enacted. An Aggravated Assault is an assault involving any of the following aggravating circumstances: • causing serious bodily injury; • carried out in company; • carried out using a weapon; • carried out with the intent of preventing apprehension or committing a crime; or • committed with the intent to recklessly endanger life or cause injury.
Non Aggravated Assault An assault not involving any of the aggravating circumstances as defined in Aggravated Assault. This category of offence also includes acts involving the indirect and nonconfrontational infliction of harm, injury or violence upon a person such as administering drugs/poison or stupefying.
Assault Police Officer An assault committed against a person who is a WA police officer acting in the execution of their duty.
Threatening Behaviour Declaration of intention to punish or hurt, orally (including via the telephone or recording), or in writing, to injure body, property or reputation.
Deprivation of Liberty Acts intended to unlawfully deprive another person of their freedom of movement against that person’s will or against the will of any parent, guardian or other person having lawful custody or care of that person. This category of offence includes abduction.
This document was last updated on 02/02/2004
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Aggravated Robbery (Firearm) A robbery is the unlawful taking of property with intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, from the immediate possession, control, custody or care of a person, accompanied by the use, and/or threatened use of immediate force or violence. An Aggravated Robbery (Firearm) is a robbery involving the possession/use of a firearm and may also involve the infliction of injury or violence on the person or be committed in company (i.e. by two or more persons).
Aggravated Robbery (Other) An Aggravated Robbery (Other) is a robbery as defined in ‘Aggravated Robbery (Firearm)’ involving the possession/use of a weapon other than a firearm and may also involve the infliction of injury or violence on the person or be committed in company (i.e. by two or more persons).
Non Aggravated Robbery A Non-Aggravated Robbery is a robbery as defined in ‘Aggravated Robbery (Firearm)’ not involving any of the following aggravating circumstances: • possession/use of a weapon; • the infliction of injury or violence on the person; or • committed in company (i.e. by two or more persons).
This category of offence also includes blackmail/extortion which is defined as unlawful demanding with intent to gain money, property or any other benefit from, or with intent to cause detriment to, another person accompanied by the use of coercive measures, to be carried out at some point in the future if the demand is not met. This may also include the use and/or threatened use of immediate force or violence. Coercive measures include, but are not limited to, the threat of: • force or violence; • the misuse of authority; • criminal prosecution; • the destruction of a person’s reputation or social standing; or • the destruction of a person’s property.
Burglary (Dwelling) To enter or attempt to enter any building, structure, tent, vehicle or vessel that is ordinarily used for human habitation without consent, with intent to commit an offence such as to steal property.
Burglary (Non-dwelling) To enter or attempt to enter a building, structure, tent, or conveyance other than a dwelling without the owner’s consent, with intent to commit an offence such as to steal property.
Steal Motor Vehicle Unlawfully using a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or the person in charge of that motor vehicle. This offence category also includes the unlawful use of any vehicle capable of being registered such as caravans, trailers, and off-road vehicles. This category of offence does not include the theft of vehicle parts or the contents of a vehicle.
This document was last updated on 02/02/2004
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Theft The unlawful taking or obtaining of money, goods or services, without the use of force, threat of force or violence, coercion or deception, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner or possessor of the use of the money or goods. This category of offence includes the theft of vehicle parts or the contents of a vehicle.
Receiving/Illegal Use This offence category includes the following offences: • Receiving, handling or processing money or goods taken or obtained illegally. • The taking of another person’s property other than a motor vehicle, illegally and without permission with the intent of temporarily depriving the owner or possessor of the use of the property.
Fraud This offence category includes the following offences: • Inducing a course of action, by deceit or other dishonest conduct, with the intent to obtain money or other benefit or to evade a liability. • The making, use or possession of a forged financial instrument with an intention to obtain an advantage. • Dishonestly converting money or goods which came into a person’s possession or control not involving the use of deception or taking without consent. • The giving, offering or accepting of reward to influence the exercise of power or authority.
Arson Willfully and unlawfully destroying or damaging property by fire. Property includes a building or dwelling; vessel; bush land; crop; and motor vehicle.
Property Damage An act (excl. graffiti) or omission to do an act with the intent to destroy or damage property.
Graffiti Property damage caused by the application of substances (e.g. paint, posters and/or plastic, metal or wood based compounds) to the surface of the property.
Most graffiti offences are committed against public property and the number of offences reported during a period can vary due to the strategies and practices adopted by some Government agencies, local government authorities and private enterprise. Graffiti offences are, on occasions, reported by victims in batches rather than individually. This may result in a significant variation in reported graffiti offences over consecutive periods.
Breach of a Restraint Breaching any of the restraints imposed by a Violence Restraining Order or Misconduct Restraining Order.
Drug Offences (Traffic) The unlawful sale, supply, cultivation or manufacture of a prohibited drug or plant.
Drug Offences (Possess) The unlawful possession or use of a prohibited drug or plant, or the unlawful possession of a smoking implement.

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