Canterbury Police carried out a prevention operation in Ashburton on Saturday night (21 February 2015) to help prevent disorder in the township and support the work of door staff and local security in the entertainment areas. Local officers were joined by prevention staff to undertake high visibility patrols and visit licensed premises.
Officer in charge of Ashburton Police Station, Senior Sergeant Scott Banfield said "As venues closed Police, door staff and local security worked together to break up fights and disperse a crowd of approximately 50 people. Local Police and security also intervened at a smaller disorder incident at a nearby fast food restaurant."
A man aged 28 and two females aged 46 and 24, all from Ashburton, were arrested and received Pre Charge Warnings for obstruction and disorderly behaviour.
"The disorder occurred between 3am-4.30am and indications are that all involved were affected by alcohol" said Senior Sergeant Banfield. "Canterbury Police are supportive of a bid by Ashburton Council for all licensed premises to close at 2am, with a one-way door policy at 1am. We would like to thank the local security and door staff for their help in preventing serious disorder over the weekend."
Alcohol is a major contributor to crimes such as disorder and violence. In New Zealand around a third of all recorded offences are committed after the offender has consumed alcohol. There is also a risk that when people become intoxicated they make poor decisions and end up becoming offenders or victims of crime or crashes.
"We urge everyone to drink responsibly and look out for your mates. Other than moderating your drinking, eating and drinking water or soft drinks are the two most effective ways of controlling the effects of alcohol" said Senior Sergeant Banfield.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404