had OPRs not been introduced across Queensland in early 2001, a steady, seasonally- based increase in crime would have been predicted. By June 2004 the actual number of reported offences was 8,495, whereas without the introduction of OPRs, the number
of reported offences could have been expected to be around 11,700. This is a saving of about 3,200 crimes directly attributable to the introduction of OPRs. This result is particularly important given that population growth across Queensland in the past three years followed a steadily increasing pattern from around 58,000 people per year to 81,000 from 2003 to 2004 (Queensland Government 2005). -results show that OPRs in queensland were an important factor in reducing crime - particularly unlawful entries - yet the importance of some of the other explanations that have accompanied crime drops cannot be ruled out