NZ Police Update

Update from Snr Sgt James Hall

THERE HAVE BEEN a few changes in the last few months within the Waitematā East community policing team.

Firstly to introduce myself, Senior Sergeant James Hall. I took over the role of youth and community manager at the beginning of this year. My background in policing has predominantly been in frontline response roles, my previous position being the response manager in Waitematā East. I look forward to the different challenges that the community role offers.

We are in the process of making some changes to the community team, which will include the addition of two more officers. For many years the community team has consisted of a sergeant and nine community constables based in various suburbs throughout the North Shore. The additional two officers have allowed us to create two teams, each comprising one sergeant and five constables. The teams will be responsible for a specific area, with individual constables holding portfolios for suburbs within the region.

The two teams will be called Kaipātiki and North Shore. Based in Glenfield, Kaipātiki will cover the area south-west of SH1 and SH18. The North Shore team, with the sergeant based in Browns Bay, will cover from Devonport, through the Bays and into Albany.

These teams will take a problem-solving approach to crime issues, which may take considerable time to resolve. However, they will also remain agile in responding to emerging crime issues.

Sustainable and enduring iwi and community partnerships are key to the success of the community teams. This new structure will allow consistency to maintain the momentum of initiatives undertaken in cooperation with partners, regardless of the staff moving on to other roles.

The current community sergeant Dave Murden is moving into the Browns Bay community sergeant position. He says he is excited about the new structure; one of the big advantages he sees is that a smaller team will allow him to get out and about and become more involved in the community rather than be tied down with admin.

Constable Troy Williamson will remain as community constable for the Albany area, with Constable Brent Stewart joining the team in June, covering Rosedale to Greenhithe. Troy and Brent will work closely together to establish strong community links.

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PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR

Keep temptation out of sight

OPPORTUNISTIC CAR CRIME continues to be a problem. This often occurs when valuables are left in plain sight in the vehicle. Ideally, nothing should be left in your car when it’s parked for any length of time. But, if you must leave items, remember that pulling a cardigan over them does not equate to them being securely out of sight!

Before exiting your vehicle, take a moment to check the seats and floors, then lock any items in the boot, if appropriate, with the privacy shelf pulled across.

Don’t make it easy for criminals. Taking that extra minute could protect you, your vehicle, and your possessions.