BOP Police out to ensure safe festive season

The Bay of Plenty Police District has seen a relatively quiet start to the Christmas holiday period, and Police are hoping that trend continues for the rest of the break – including New Years Eve.

“Our key objective for the summer period – including Christmas and New Year – is about keeping people safe and reassured on the street, beach, roads and in their homes,” says District Operations Manager, Inspector Scott Fraser.

“This means doing everything we can to reduce the amount of crime and crash in our District. This means being highly visible on the roads, in town and at the lakes and beaches.”

Inspector Fraser says locals and visitors also have a role to play in keeping themselves safe this summer.

“Nearly every town and city in New Zealand now has liquor bans in place in popular areas, and our District is no different. These are specifically designed so that everyone, including young people, families and children can enjoy the best parts of the Bay.

“If you’re visiting our region, make sure you know where the liquor bans are – ‘being from out of town’ is no excuse.”

Inspector Fraser says local council websites contain information about local liquor bans, and his advice to visitors and locals is to get informed before they go on holiday or out for the night.

“We have low tolerance approach to breach of liquor bans and we will take some form of positive action, be it a warning, confiscation or arrest.”

Inspector Fraser says road policing remains a key priority for Bay of Plenty Police, with some of the busiest stretches of highways and roads in New Zealand located in the District.

“There are a lot of people on the roads at this time of year – and particularly in the Bay of Plenty which is a popular visitor destination.

“We’re asking people to exercise a bit of patience out on the roads, but equally, asking people to be considerate of others. If you’re driving slower for whatever reason, please pull over to let people pass.”

Inspector Fraser says BOP Police will be out in force on the District’s roads over the summer period.

Police will be specifically targeting the Fatal Five contributors to serious and fatal road crashes – speed, restraints, dangerous or careless driving, drink or drugged driving and at risk drivers, mainly young people.

“If you get pulled over, you can expect to be breath tested. If you speed, or don’t wear a seatbelt or drink and drive, you will be caught.

“The Bay of Plenty is a safe and friendly place to celebrate summer and the festive season for everyone, including families and children, and we’re doing our bit to make that happen.”

The Bay of Plenty Police District covers the Western Bay of Plenty (including Tauranga and Mt Maunganui), Eastern Bay of Plenty (including Whakatane and Opotiki), Rotorua and Taupo (including Tokoroa and Turangi).

ENDS

© Scoop Media