Summer Policing period underway

The Bay of Plenty's Summer Policing period is well underway, with the official period commencing at Labour Weekend and finishing at Waitangi Weekend.

The District Operations Manager, Inspector Scott Fraser, says the focus of the Police Summer Policing operation is on making people feel safe and reassured on the street, beaches, roads and in their homes over the summer, and particularly during the peak Christmas and New Year period.

"This is a busy time of year for us, however, the summer period has now become business as usual for Police. We know we are going to be busy, we plan for it and we have the people and resources in place to manage it and to achieve our goal of ensuring people feel safe.

"Our goal during this period is twofold. We want people to enjoy a safe summer, wherever they are, as well as to do everything we can to reduce the amount of crime and crashes in our District during this period. This means being highly visible on the roads, in town and at the lakes and beaches."

However, Inspector Fraser says Police are just one part of the wheel when it comes to making summer in the Bay of Plenty a success.

"All year round we work alongside a number of different community partners and this is particularly important over summer. This includes partnering with local councils and their events teams, health organisations and District Health Boards, other emergency services, community groups, iwi and volunteers."

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 Family Violence and road policing will also be key areas of focus over the summer period.

“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

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