Police happy with Lions Tour

Superintendent Ray Van Beynen from the Operations Group at the Office of the Commissioner says the policing of the British and Irish Lions Tour so far has gone extremely well.

"This is largely due to well behaved fans, detailed pre operational planning, excellent police work and superb cooperation between the key groups involved.

Police are very happy with the excellent behaviour of fans in all of the centres so far, which included Rotorua, New Plymouth, Hamilton and Wellington. We would like to thank the public for their cooperation, tolerance and the high standards of behaviour from the British and Irish fans. These matches and the post match celebrations have been a pleasure to Police," says Superintendent Van Beynen.

There are seven matches to play and the last few weeks of the tour are expected to get increasingly busy particularly from the 25th of June when the first test match in Christchurch is scheduled.

Police will continue their focus on traffic flow to ensure minimum disruption, the security of the visitors and monitoring after-match revelry at and around licensed premises.

Police are appealing to the public to continue to take public transport or travel to venues in groups, to arrive at the venues early, take their seats and follow the directions of stadium staff.

"Police are continuing to liaise closely with the New Zealand Rugby Union, local authorities, provincial unions and stadiums about the up and coming matches and to ensure a safe atmosphere for everybody," says Superintendent Van Beynen.

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