North Shore Police have hammered the Western suburbs, and made more than 55 arrests during an operation targeting known offenders.
"Operation Hammer" involved checkpoints, mobile patrols, and high visibility policing.
Police Tactics Co-ordinator, Senior Sergeant Gary Hill, says the four day operation was carried out between Wednesday 1 March and Saturday 4 March 2006. The suburbs included Northcote, Glenfield, Birkdale, Beachhaven, and Wairau Valley.
"Known offenders received Bail and curfew checks, plus regular visits by Police. The whole idea of the operation was to make it known to our repeat offenders that we haven't forgotten about them, and that we will take action if they step out of line."
"Some of those arrested have already appeared in Court on a wide range of charges, including burglary, possession of a class A drug, thefts from motor vehicles, disorderly behaviour, and disqualified driving, plus a range of other offences."
"Traffic staff also assisted during the operation and 30 people were charged with Driving with Excess Breath Alcohol. 344 traffic offence and infringement notices were issued and 15 vehicles impounded."
"While the general public may have been slightly inconvenienced by the checkpoints, they certainly proved their worth. Several of the 55 people arrested during the operation were apprehended by this means, either through having warrants to arrest, disqualified or drink drivers, and possession of weapons and drugs."
"North Shore Police will continue to target repeat offenders on the North Shore. If individuals go about their normal lives without committing offences then they have nothing to fear, but if persons continue to commit offences then they will be targeted by Police, and they will have pressure applied on them," Senior Sergeant Hill said.