NEWS RELEASE
8 July 2008

Walkwise officers receive Police commendations

Four of the City Council’s Walkwise staff have received official Police commendations for their key roles in apprehending an alleged serial arsonist and robber in two separate incidents in central Wellington this year.

On 14 April Sheng Jiang and Vladimir Zdravkovich were given the description of an alleged serial arsonist who had set several fires in the city that evening, including a fire in historic St Peter’s Church. The Walkwise officers located the alleged offender and followed him while calling Police When the alleged arsonist entered a property the officers kept track of him and pointed him out to the Police on their arrival. The actions and quick-thinking of the Walkwise officers enabled the Police to quickly arrest the man, who is now facing charges of arson in the District Court.

Five days later, Walkwise officers Rayleen Hirini and Matalei Mohuanga were on patrol when Police advised Walkwise of the description of a group of girls that had robbed a group of other girls of clothing. The Walkwise officers located the offenders and saw them passing the stolen property between themselves. They cornered the main offender until Police arrived to make the arrest.

The Council’s Social Portfolio Leader Ngaire Best congratulated the Walkwise officers on their awards

“Everyone at the Council is proud of these four Walkwise officers. They deserve the gratitude of all Wellingtonians for their actions. The Police award is a well-earned recognition for their efforts.

“Walkwise is an integral part of the Council’s efforts to make Wellington a safer and more enjoyable city for all our residents. Our 15 fulltime Walkwise officers patrol the inner city 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A recent survey showed 88% of Wellingtonians believed Walkwise improved safety in the inner city, and this Police award is further proof of the effectiveness of the Walkwise programme.”

For further details please contact:
David Christopher, Council Communications, 801 3281 or 021 227 8567.

Wellington City Council news releases are also available daily as Web Alerts through the Council's website, www.Wellington.govt.nz. To subscribe, select the Web Alerts icon on the home page.

ENDS

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