A new police base will be opening in Beachlands today as part of a new policing initiative.
The new community base will bring a valuable police presence to the Pohutukawa coast and help prevent crime and improve community safety.
Police Minister Stuart Nash will be in Beachlands today to launch the new police base.
“The new Beachlands community policing base is in a fast-growing suburb in the largest policing district in the country. Despite the modern residential subdivisions it retains some of its original rural characteristics such as isolated road access, and is 20 kilometres from the nearest Police station,” says Nash.
“As well as the growing residential population its beachfront location is a magnet for visitors. In the summer months Police have recorded an increase in seasonal crime such as property damage, theft and antisocial crimes linked to alcohol.”
He says Beachlands already has a strong volunteer network of neighbourhood watch and community patrols.
“Local businesses are also investing in crime fighting tools like number plate recognition cameras. The new Police base will offer greater assurance to locals who want to see more resources for crime prevention and community safety.”
The Beachlands community policing base will have a public counter staffed from 9.00am to 4.00pm, five days a week.
Volunteers will help with office duties while three constables use the site as a base for getting out into the community.
More constables may be deployed there as resources start to become available from the government’s increased commitment to policing in Budget 2018, he says.
“My priority as Police Minister is to ensure Police are fully resourced to help keep our communities safe. That is why our first Budget devoted an extra $300 million to policing. It is a first step. There will be more in future budgets. We are well on the way to meeting our plan for 1800 extra Police officers and 485 Police support staff.
“These two initiatives show the value of Police working in partnership with local communities to enhance safety, focus resources on crime prevention and look at new ways to reduce offending,” Nash says.
