Justice Minister Judith Collins says preventive measures have been the main factor in a fall in recorded crime.
Official figures show that since June 2011 youth crime has fallen by 18% and reoffending by 9%.
Ms Collins says a police focus on crime prevention is playing a big part in reducing criminal activity. She says residential burglaries have fallen by almost 90% in parts of Hamilton thanks to a greater police presence in those areas.
Ms Collins also says cross-sector agencies will continue to work closely so that key targets can be met.
They include reducing violent crime by 20% by June 2017 and reducing reoffending by 25% by the same year.
She says steering young people away from the justice system means they have a better chance of reaching full potential in life.
Police deputy commissioner Mike Bush agrees, saying alternatives to prison for the young, such as counselling, are helping to deter them from a life of crime.
He says various sectors are working closely with police on reducing crime, and prevention strategies are definitely working.
