June 17, 2002

Auckland City Council and the police will look at how to make Auckland a safer city through clever building design, lighting and management during a course this week (June 17 to 20).

Organised by Safer Auckland City, the course, “Safer by Design”, is being run by New South Wales Police Service, which has been promoting crime prevention through environmental design since the early 1990s.

The course runs from April 17 to 20 and will explain how effective design, planning and space management can make it more difficult for criminals to operate.

Safer by Design also includes practical exercises – participants will evaluate areas in the CBD and identify problem areas and possible solutions. A reformed burglar will also explain how criminals choose their targets.

Councillor Noelene Raffills, chairperson of the council’s Law and Order Committee, will attend the course, and says: “Making Auckland safer is one of this council’s key priorities. Ensuring that our streets, buildings and open spaces are designed to prevent crime is the first step towards a safer city for our residents and visitors.”

Participants will learn how to assess crime risk in architectural plans, improve lighting, use planting and street design to reduce access for criminals, and how to manage public spaces to deter crime.

The course is an initiative of Safer Auckland City (SAC), a partnership between Auckland City Council, Auckland City District Police and Ngati Whatua O Orakei, with strong community participation.

ENDS

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