Progress towards Henderson safety plan

Auckland Council and police are making significant progress in their efforts to improve community safety in hot spots around Auckland, particularly in Henderson town centre following a spate of violent incidents.

A report to council’s Community Development and Safety Committee meeting this Wednesday says that council will base five staff in Henderson’s town centre for the research phase of the new Henderson Safer Town Centre Plan*.

Based on priorities identified by the Henderson community at recent meetings to address crime and safety issues, the plan is expected to be in place early in 2015. The town centre already has extra police on patrol and the Henderson-Massey Local Board is funding CCTV for the area.

Board chair Vanessa Neeson says the main elements of the plan will include building stronger partnerships for a safer community, better town design with safer public spaces, addressing drug and alcohol problems and reducing the risk factors that often lead to crime.

“With all the key players – business owners, police, community groups and the wider Auckland Council – working together, we can create a plan that will make a huge difference to the people of Henderson, for the better.

“This approach to community safety in Henderson also has the potential to be used as a model for other towns.”

Assistant Police Commissioner Allan Boreham, accompanied by Auckland’s district commanders, will lead a presentation to the committee.

“We will update councillors on key policing issues across Auckland, especially the progress made through our close working relationship with Auckland Council. This includes safety on our public transport system, alcohol harm reduction and safety in Henderson’s town centre.”

Also on the meeting agenda: a presentation on just-completed research into actual and perceived levels of crime in Auckland; updates on graffiti prevention and the Auckland Regional Methamphetamine Working Group’s activities; and feedback from the recent council-hosted symposium to reduce the impact of psychoactive substances**.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting. The agenda is available at http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/.

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