Media release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, 1 March 2013

Upper Hutt Residents Feel Safe At Home

Almost everyone in Upper Hutt feels safe at home and in their neighbourhood most of the time, according to a survey commissioned by the City Council.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 01 MAR 2013—Upper Hutt City Council’s 2012 survey revealed 98% of residents feel safe in their homes and 95% feel safe in their neighbourhoods all or most of the time.

Slightly fewer feel safe in the central business district. A total of 89% feel safe in the CBD all or most of the time, but only 46% feel safe all the time.

Residents feel almost as safe on the roads. Overall, 91% are satisfied or fairly satisfied with the safety of Upper Hutt's roads, with only one in twelve saying they are definitely not satisfied with the safety of roads.

Hutt Valley Police Area Commander, Inspector Mike Hill, says the survey results are consistent with trends in local crime statistics. "There has been a significant reduction in reported crimes in the Hutt Valley over recent years. The community has worked effectively with the Police and other agencies to make Upper Hutt a safer place to live."

Jessica Setu, Council's Senior Advisor for Community Development, says the survey results are already shaping Council’s safety initiatives. “For example, we have programmes under way to improve safety in the CBD, reduce alcohol consumption, build resilience in our neighbourhoods and control graffiti around the city.”

The most common suggestion for improving safety was stronger police and security presence. Over the whole city almost 40% made that suggestion, but fewer people (27%) in southern suburbs called for enhanced police presence. Other suggestions included improved street lighting and security cameras. Residents in Trentham were especially interested in security cameras.

Inspector Mike Hill says police have 24 hour police patrols and response. “People don't always see us when they are home at night, but we are out there every day and every night. We are there, whether you see us or not.”

Inspector Hill says there are many other ways to make suburbs safe. “What people are looking for is knowing that 'someone' is looking out for them. It’s important to know your neighbours, look out for each other, look after each other—this all assists with safety and makes us all more resilient.”

Upper Hutt also benefits from the presence of other disciplined, uniformed staff. “Criminals and those who are a risk to us on the roads shouldn't just worry about the police,” says Inspector Hill. “Defence force staff and prison staff are part of the Upper Hutt community and our Maori Wardens are out patrolling. More and more people are getting in touch with us about the activities of criminals. Crimestoppers is a great way to pass on information to us.”

Jade Mercer, Council's Road Safety Advisor, says the survey results on road safety are pleasing but confirm there is more to be done. Jade says the Council's next focus is intersections, especially where there are compulsory stop signs.

The survey was conducted by an independent research company, who interviewed 400 Upper Hutt residents aged over 18 years in March last year. The interview sample ensured residents in Trentham and central, north and south Upper Hutt were represented, and the margin of error was 4.9%.

About Upper Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.

About Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity that provides an anonymous way for people to pass on information about crime. You can contact Crimestoppers on their 24-hour freephone (0800 555 111) and online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org

Contact

For more information on Upper Hutt City and the City Council, go to www.upperhuttcity.com

ENDS

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