383 days ago

Top brass urged to step up efforts amid crime spike

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Canterbury appears to be underserved by the police, new figures show, as suburbs in Christchurch battle spiralling crime.

With about 650,000 residents, Canterbury makes up about 13% of New Zealand’s population.

But the region is only home to 987 sworn officers, about 9% of the New Zealand police force. National roles, such as those in the police prosecution team, are not counted in the district numbers.

It comes as some people in Christchurch are demanding an increased police presence following a massive spike in crime in their suburb.
Thefts and burglaries in Hornby are up by more than 80% in the past year, and tired residents are calling on the region’s top officers to step in.

Residents in Hornby are petitioning the police to have their police station manned 24 hours a day following a major spike in theft and burglary.

The petition, which on Monday night was just shy of 1000 signatures, will be presented to Canterbury Metro Superintendent Lane Todd on Tuesday night at a community meeting to discuss rising levels of crime.

Read the full story from reporter Shannon Redstall here (subscription required).

Image
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Why are ghosts such bad liars?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

...You can see right through them.

No, we haven't lost the plot! July 1st is International Joke Day and because laughter is good for your body, we want to get involved.

So, go on, jokers! Share your best joke below...

Image
3 days ago

Do you have a quick question for a lawyer?

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

On Thursday each week we hold free lawyer clinics.

These clinics allow you to see a lawyer at no cost for 10 mins. So, if you need help understanding a legal document or deciding whether to pursue a legal case, then this is a great starting point.

- 1pm - 133 Brighton Mall (entrance on Union Street, SBA office) – 03 366 6490
- 6.15pm - 8 Goulding Ave (Hornby community centre) – 03 349 5236

You will be given a number when you arrive, so everyone is seen in order and usually the lawyer can see 5-7 clients.

If you need a specialist lawyer or advisor for immigration, employment or ACC then email christchurchclinics@outlook.com to make an appointment with the separate clinics.

Image
1 day ago

A message from Christchurch Police

The Team from Canterbury Police

Christchurch Police are urging the community to ensure children are properly restrained following a concerning vehicle stop in Harewood. About 11:30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, Police stopped a vehicle travelling almost 20kmh above the speed limit on Harewood Road.

When Police came to the window, four children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years were seen in the back and front passenger seats with their car seats incorrectly fitted.
The driver was issued a formal warning and an infringement notice. Police are working with the driver around the correct way to secure seats, secure the children, and making sure they have the right seat for their size.

Inspector Ash Tabb says, ensuring car seats are properly attached and kids are properly restrained is essential in reducing the risk of serious injuries or worse if a crash occurs.
“I am glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences; not only were the kids not properly restrained, but the vehicle was also travelling almost 20 kmh above the speed limit, two of four known crash and serious crash contributors, labelled RIDS (Restraints, Impairment, Distraction, and Speed).

"We understand parents, and caregivers may not know what the right seat is, or how to attach it correctly for your child. There are several services available to assist people with this, including child restraint technicians who can provide advice on what restraint may be needed. They can also help you fit them to your vehicle,” Inspector Tabb says.

Check out Whānau Āwhina Plunket website here.
Or the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website here.

Image