Hopes rural crime phone app will counter ‘extensive under reporting’
A smartphone application to help rural communities has been developed, after it was found more than three quarters of crime on farms goes unreported.
It is part of a rural crime prevention programme being trialled in the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts over the next two years, beginning from this week.
It is hoped the Rural Lookout app can help lift public reporting of incidents and suspicious activity.
Users can capture a photo and enter further details, which generates a report.
They can also use the app offline, by saving reports and later uploading them when back in cell phone range.
Police senior constable Tony Maw said it was similar to the Snap Send Solve app used by some district councils in the Canterbury region.
"If we don’t know about it, it's not happening," he said.
"If we can see there is a problem, then we're in a position to do something about it."
The most frequent crimes highlighted are illegal hunting and poaching, followed by property theft and slaughtering or theft of livestock.
However, a police survey revealed rural crime was largely unreported nationally.
Maw said this was a factor in about 80% of rural incidents.
"We've discovered it's not just fuel theft, but it's also hunting and trespassing."
He said there had been some investigation of the barriers preventing community members reporting incidents.
The app will not "replace" standard services including 111 for emergencies or the 105 online service.
"They are still really important channels," Maw said.
"It's just another reporting channel."
In addition, the trial will use "geospatial capability" to create a rural crime dashboard for the area.
All reported crime and suspicious activity will be mapped on the dashboard.
Police unveiled the app and programme trial to Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie Black last month.
Gordon said the community had been concerned about a gradual rise in rural crime.
"It's great to see the police looking at new ways to equip farmers to report rural crime and be involved in combating this rise," he said.
"I'd strongly encourage everyone in our rural communities to download this app and use it to report suspicious activity and help play a part in making our rural areas safer."
An increase in crime had also been felt further north in the Hurunui district.
Black said the app would provide a direct link for rural residents and police.
"As a large rural district, I often hear farmers talk about the rise of rural crimes like fuel theft and poaching and how it affects them.
"The functionality will also help in how quickly police can respond and start investigating these crimes."
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‘Healthy’ response to Waimakariri’s Long Term Plan
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri residents have had their say on the long-term plan (LTP) and given councillors plenty to consider.
A council spokesperson said ‘‘a healthy’’ 336 submissions have been received to the 2024-34 LTP, making 1670 submission points.
The council is due to hold hearings on the submissions on May 8, from 9.30am, in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre and then in the Oxford Town Hall from 3pm.
A second day of hearings will be held in the council chambers in Rangiora the following day from 1pm.
The council has signalled a rates hike of 8.94% this year, which is thought to be the lowest proposed rates rise in Canterbury.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the council was feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, while continuing to pay off its earthquake recovery and Mainpower Stadium loans.
The district’s population is projected to grow from about 70,000 to 82,075 by 2034, based on Stats NZ’s high growth scenario.
To support that growth, the council is proposing to spend around $693 million over the next 10 years.
Managing the natural environment, flood resilience, community facilities and transport infrastructure were being consulted on.
Key projects include the proposed Rangiora eastern link road, a draft natural environment strategy, the Rangiora Library extension and expansion plans for Mainpower Oval.
Once the hearings have concluded, the council will resume its LLT deliberations on May 21 and 22, before the final adoption in June.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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83.6% Yes
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14.2% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below!
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