Prevention first key to safe summer say Waikato Police

Waikato Police working to keep holiday makers safe from each other and themselves at popular holiday spots over the summer say to people hosting parties; keep your selves safe.

Senior Sergeant Rupert Friend of the Whangamata Police said officers today were visiting addresses of interest identified overnight to help prevent trouble occurring tonight.

"Last night there were about 20 arrests of people for a variety offences, predominantly breaches of the liquor ban and other alcohol related problems.

"To prevent Police have to revisit addresses today we've been meeting with occupiers giving them some simple advice to help prevent them becoming victims of the actions of others."

Mr Friend said one piece of advice was for people hosting parties to keep in contact with Police.

"It may be that you are hosting a get together that gets targeted by gate crashes, if that's the case, keep everyone inside and call Police. We are trained to deal with such situations and can move on the trouble makers without further issue.

"If you try and deal with the issue on your own you may put yourself at risk, situations can deteriorate and Police may be called. If we are called by others we will more than likely close down the function. If you call us for help we will try to work with you to resolve the issues. Let the people trained and paid to deal with the problem deal with it."

Mr Friend said this victim focused preventative approach has already paid dividends with a grateful parent thanking Police this morning for the way they helped his vulnerable daughter.

"This 15-year-old girl was found by Police intoxicated. By taking her to a place of safety and contacting her parents we were able to ensure she was taken care of and the parents concerns were allayed.

"That's what summer policing is all about, keeping people safe and ensuring the Waikato maintains it's hard earned reputation of a safe, family friendly place to spend your holidays."

ENDS

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