Police are calling on the New Zealand public to play their part in creating a safe and fun ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Superintendent Sandra Manderson, National Commander of Police’s Cricket World Cup Operation, said the tournament will be the biggest sporting event in the world in 2015.
“The ICC Cricket World Cup is a wonderful opportunity to showcase New Zealand to the world,” Supt. Manderson said.
“New Zealand Police have been working very closely with a number of partner agencies including our colleagues in Australia to create a safe and secure environment throughout tournament”
“But we need the New Zealand public to play their part by providing a warm and friendly welcome to our international guests.”
“A great example is the way we drive around New Zealand. There will be thousands of extra international visitors navigating our unique roads. This could lead to increased travel times particularly in parts of the South island.”
“We will have an increased presence on the roads but all New Zealanders can play their part. Leave early, be patient and show courtesy to our international visitors so everyone can get safely from A to B to enjoy the cricket.”
Supt. Manderson said Police will also be working with security staff at the match venues to ensure a safe and secure environment at the match venues.
“We will have no tolerance of any individual that enters the field of play, without authority. Under the Major Events Management Act 2007 there are increased penalties for the offence of invading the pitch at a major sporting event. This includes going onto the playing surface or propelling an object onto the field of play.”
Supt. Manderson said that anyone convicted of invading the pitch at the Cricket World Cup is liable to imprisonment for a term up to 3 months or a fine not exceeding $5,000.
Organisers are expecting a large crowd to attend Thursday’s free opening ceremony at North Hagley Park.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Gary Knowles said there have been a number of successful large scale events held in the same venue.
“Our focus is to help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience to remember for all the right reasons.” Supt Knowles said. “We will have plenty of staff rostered on tomorrow night to cope with the expected number of additional visitors to the City.”
Supt. Knowles said Canterbury District Police are vastly experienced at managing a large influx of visitors to the region.
“For one week in November every year we have thousands of people visit the Canterbury region for Cup and Show Week in Christchurch. There will be a visible Police presence across the city during the Cricket World Cup, as we do every November during Cup and Show Week. We want everyone to have fun but our advice is please don’t take your off pitch celebrations too far and have a great Cricket World Cup experience.”
“Please allow plenty of time to travel to and from Hagley Park and check your tickets for conditions of entry. Unfortunately opportunistic burglars take advantage of large events so our advice would be to keep valuables out of sight and securely lock your home, motel room or car doors and windows before you leave.”
Supt Knowles urged spectators to plan how you are going to get home and have a nominated sober driver, use public transport or share a taxi with friends to/from the festivities. “Canterbury Police will have checkpoints operating throughout the week and the new alcohol limits will be strictly enforced. We want everyone to be safe and feel safe and enjoy the Cricket World Cup celebrations.”
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 opening ceremony begins tomorrow at 6.30pm at North Hagley Oval. New Zealand host Sri Lanka in the opening game of the tournament at Hagley Oval at 11am on Saturday.
ENDS
For more information contact Lisa-Marie Brooks on 021 942 404 or Kevin Sinnott on 021 192 2917.