Canterbury Police are all set to cope with a busy day and night when the city hosts the NZ Trotting Cup meeting at Addington tomorrow. Known to Cantabrians as ‘Cup Day’ tomorrow is the biggest day on the trotting calendar and will be a busy day for Police.
“Police are hoping for a well-behaved, good natured crowd at Addington Raceway and around the city as everyone continues their Cup Day celebrations tomorrow” says Canterbury Police’s Deployment Manager, Inspector Peter Cooper. “Police will be working closely with security staff and licensees at the venue to keep an eye on the crowds and assist when needed.”
“We expect to be busy tomorrow, particularly as Cup Day crowds move to the city’s bars. Police want everyone to enjoy their day out and will be increasing patrols from mid-afternoon and visiting licensed premises around Addington Raceway and the Lincoln Road/Addington area.”
Inspector Cooper explains that a big focus tomorrow will be on educating people about the temporary liquor ban which will be in place from 9am – 10pm and covers several streets in the vicinity of the raceway. Anyone breaching this and existing liquor bans can expect to be prosecuted.
Typically the busiest times for Police call-outs for disorder and violence are between 5pm and 10pm with the total number of calls more like those for a typical Saturday night in Christchurch.
Crowded places can also provide an opportunity for someone to steal your bag or credit card(s). If you lose your bag or credit card report it to your bank straight away so they can deactivate your card(s) and then report the loss to Police. Prevention is always best so keep bags with you at all times, always shield your PIN from other people and don’t give your card or PIN to anyone else particularly if it is a payWave card.
Road Policing patrols will also be increased in the city tomorrow and the public should plan for delays in the morning and evening due to congestion around the Addington raceway.
“Plan ahead and look at other travel options such as public transport, car/taxi sharing or nominate a sober driver. Police are adopting an anytime, anywhere policy on breath testing throughout Cup and Show Week, with every driver stopped being breath-tested. We want every journey to be a safe journey and wish everyone a safe and fun Cup Day tomorrow.” says Inspector Cooper.
“Remember to move property out of sight and lock doors and windows before you leave your home or vehicle. Don’t give opportunistic burglars a chance to make Cup Day a day you remember for the wrong reasons.”
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
