Victims at the heart of police operation

Dishonesty offending was the focus of a police operation today across the Bay of Plenty involving more than 200 staff, with particular attention paid to vulnerable victims of crime.

Approximately half of reported crime in the District is dishonesty offending; whether that is burglary, theft or shoplifting. More than 80% of New Zealanders are most concern about being burgled.

Prevention Manager Inspector Scott Fraser said: "Dishonesty offenders rarely have their fingers in just one criminal pie. They generally have a complete disregard for the road rules and many will be using dishonesty to fund drug habits or to support more serious criminal enterprises. Using a broad range of tactics we aim to reduce the opportunities for criminals."

Today's operation combined enforcement activity such as search warrants and road checkpoints with high visibility patrols in keys locations, liaison with businesses and community groups, school visits and checks on offenders subject to bail conditions. A significant part of the operation was making personal visits to a number of victims of crime.

"Apprehending offenders, bringing them to account and recovering stolen property is an important part of the process; but just as important is the service we provide to our victims, particularly our vulnerable victims. They need to feel supported and reassured and by understanding individual circumstances we are able to help them to identify ways they can be better protected in the future.

"The staff find it very rewarding to interact with the community knowing they are doing something to help and reassure victims. The response from those visited was extremely positive, reassured by the fact that we care and appreciative of the crime prevention information which can make a positive difference to their lives.

The operation took in the whole of the District including the smaller centres. For example a stolen boat was recovered in Opotiki and reunited with its owner. Two burglars were also arrested in the town. In Turangi a gang member who was forbidden to drive had his car impounded. Just over an hour later the same man was caught driving a different car through a police checkpoint and was again taken off the road. One wanted man in Kawerau heard police were out looking for him so handed himself in. He was one of five wanted people arrested in Kawerau today.

A number of other people wanted on warrant were arrested across the District along with others targeted during search warrants for drugs and stolen property.

The operation to run for the rest of the day and similar will be conducted in the future; always with the desire to make the Bay of Plenty a safer place to live, do business and visit.