New Lynn police are to canvas members of the Asian Community inviting them to openly voice their concerns about any criminal activity in the suburb.
Sergeant Grant WATSON is Officer in Charge at New Lynn. He says a team of six community police officers, interpreters, and neighbourhood watch staff welcome the opportunity to visit with all residents in Ambrico Place, New Lynn.
The officers will be in the area from about 1.30pm on Saturday 6 August 2008.
"There are an estimated 200 apartments and homes in this closely knit community. Many are occupied by Chinese citizens and their families."
"We'll be calling on these residents inviting them to participate in a constructive, and innovative, questionnaire," he said.
"The questionnaire asks if a person has been a victim of crime in New Lynn, what type of behavioural patterns by others cause them to feel unsafe, what type of crimes most concern them, if they consider any changes are necessary in New Lynn, how they view the current level of policing in the CBD, plus their views on public transport."
"It's a community policing initiative that is relevant to all ethnicity sectors. It's about getting input into how they view their own safety, and how they can best contribute to personally reducing crime within their own community. I hope they will proactively participate by completing the questionnaire either in person or via the established web address at nl.feedback@police.govt.nz ."
"Police are methodically and successfully combating levels of crime in New Lynn through monitored measures such as increased visibility. This is providing positive reassurance to the local community."
"Zero tolerance to street gangs, concentrated proactive patrols, and close liaison with all ethnic groups, are among other initiatives being adopted by the recently increased team of four additional community police officers."
"These recently appointed front line staff are all based at New Lynn. This enables police to provide greater surveillance and coverage within our wider suburban locality."
"The entire community benefits from these policing initiatives. This pilot questionnaire is therefore an ideal opportunity for everyone to be involved in the decision making process," Sergeant WATSON said.
ENDS;
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District /
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 / Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz