Proactive policing in 'Operation Swoop' at Lower Hutt yesterday

Police is always working to improve resolution rates and reduce victimisation as part of the Prevention First strategy. We recognise the impact that crime, has on victims, and will continue to prioritise our proactive tactics as appropriate. Lower Hutt Police are committed to dedicating staff and technology to prevention and investigation every day.
Yesterday, Hutt Valley Police concentrated their community and road policing  activities in the Taita and Stokes Valley areas  in an effort to step-up the prevention focus. Inspector George Faalogo, Area Prevention Manager said “We focused on people who were wanted on warrant to arrest from the district court, checking people who were on curfews, serving suspension notices on people who had accumulated driving demerit points and conducting foot patrols at the Taita, Wingate and Pomare railway stations car parks.”
Police have a  focus on  crime ‘hotspots’ and related issues that affect their areas so yesterday went  door-to-door in some neighbourhoods handing out pamphlets to promote neighbourhood support groups. Police canvassed Ngahere Street and Pohoe Grove in Stokes Valley and Churton Crescent and Compton Crescent in Taita handing out approximately 150 pamphlets in the area.
The Hutt Valley Safe City Ambassadors were also involved and together with Police, patrolled the Taita Shopping Centre and Scott Court in Stokes Valley. “The ripple effect that criminal offending has on law-abiding New Zealanders, can’t be underestimated and our focus aims to reduce the harm that crime has and continues to cause across all sectors of our community, says Inspector Faalogo
The operation also focused on Road policing with an excess of 25 drivers issued infringement notices for traffic offences.
Police will continue to patrol in Stokes Valley and the Taita communities when required.
Nearly 30 Police Officers were involved in yesterday’s operation with members of the Traffic Alcohol group, Hutt Valley Police and the Mobile Police Base.
If anyone sees anything suspicious in their neighbourhood that could be linked to any crimes they could either call their local station or information could be left anonymously via Crimestoppers.
People should not be afraid to contact police and confidentiality is assured by using the Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111  ENDS