Be safe, feel safe

Being safe and feeling safe starts with all of us. Members of current Neighbourhood Support Groups (NSG) understand this and take an active part in ensuring their street and neighbourhood is as safe as possible.

If you are not a current member, please consider the benefits of being involved with an NSG.

Safe strong communities are a product of community members taking an active part in thinking about their and others’ security.

Find out more at: www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz and www.cpnz.org.nz and get involved.

The residents of Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka-o-Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula can have a confidence that Police and partners such as Neighbourhood Support and Community Patrols are always in the community at the times when a real difference can be made to all our wellbeing.

Having said this, of course you are the best judge of what is right in your neighbourhood.

If something does not feel right, then it may well not be. So always call 111 in an emergency, or 105 if you want to update the Police on an activity you have seen.

Don’t let suspicious behaviour go unchecked.

Thefts from cars (particularly those parked in public places), remains an ongoing concern to Police.

The simplest crime prevention advice I can give you is and has always been the same: remove valuables from vehicles that are being left unattended.

At the very least please remove from display any item of value and place it in a boot or glovebox for example.

Many thieves will only break into a car with obvious property on display.

With the advent of spring now upon us, please check your property security, ensure locks are all in good condition, smoke alarms work, and you are familiar with anything new in your surroundings.

Burglary (from garages where the door has been left open). is another all-toocommon occurrence. Simple crime prevention advice of closing the door when you are not in the garage, or working from of your garage, would reduce the numbers of us that are victims to theft of our property.

Speed limits for many suburbs have been reduced for example and it is now common that the maximum speed limit within residential communities is 40 km/h.

On a positive note, I am frequently reminded of very good things that happen in this very safe city.

In Christchurch we have an ethos of looking after each other and supporting those in trouble, and I encourage you to continue to do this as much as you are able.

Our many volunteer groups perform a myriad of tasks that benefit us all and contribute to this city being one we should all be proud to be part of.

Keep safe and enjoy the season.

Roy Appley

Senior Sergeant Community Services Christchurch Metro