Media Release

12 October 2011

New partnership to boost battle against crime

In a positive move to combat crime in the Auckland region, Auckland Council has teamed up with Crimestoppers to help ensure the safety of our communities.

The partnership is a six-month trial and if successful will result in a longer-term commitment to work together to support crime prevention.

Crimestoppers, with a successful track record internationally and in New Zealand,
provides a safe forum for people to report criminal activity without having to identify themselves.

Aucklanders are encouraged to anonymously provide information via the 24 hour, toll free number, 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

The push to reduce crime is part of Mayor Len Brown's vision to make Auckland the world's most liveable city and aligns with council's focus on the health, wellbeing and safety of communities.

Council's Community Safety Forum Chair George Wood says crime is increasingly having a detrimental effect on the lives of New Zealand families and businesses.

"We want our communities to feel secure and operate without the threat of any underlying criminal element.

"Crimestoppers provides a safe channel for communities to send a clear message that crime won't be tolerated in their neighbourhoods," says Cr Wood.

"It's had remarkable success in the time it's been operating in Auckland and we see real value in supporting the pilot."

The New Zealand Police work closely with Crimestoppers and are delighted with the partnership.

"Council's support of Crimestoppers is a real plus for police," says Assistant Commissioner Allan Boreham. "The information police receive via Crimestoppers is helping our communities stay safe and feel safe.

"I believe Crimestoppers' guarantee of anonymity is giving people the confidence to speak up in situations where, for whatever reason, they would have previously kept quiet."

For more information go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

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