BoM bands together to reduce crime

Auckland’s District Commanders have joined forces to address issues such as youth offending, alcohol and its link with crime, boy racers and the trade of methamphetamine.

The Auckland Metro Board of Management (BoM) has identified crime issues and to date spearheaded four operations to target them – Youth Safety, Choker, Chill and Chaser.

Operation Youth Safety ran over four weeks across the Auckland region in May 2003 and involved up to 180 staff each day. One phase targeted truancy with 1897 truants identified. Some were referred to other agencies.
The second phase targeted youth at risk. Police stopped more than 3000 young people between 7pm and 3am over eight nights. Of those stopped, 29 were arrested and 423 bail checks detected 31 breaches.

“ This was an example of how police resources could be used from throughout the Auckland region to address an issue in all three districts,” says BoM Chairman, Superintendent Roger Carson. “By combining not only resources but also policing knowledge, a more appropriate and effective course of action could be developed.”

Operation Choker targeted pill shoppers and P dealers. It ran from August to October last year and resulted in 55 arrests, some facing life imprisonment, and the smashing of two main methamphetamine syndicates.

Operation Chill was a crackdown on recidivist offenders. Police targeted the 20 percent of offenders who commit 80 percent of the crime. Police focused on burglary, vehicle crime and violence. The operation ran in November 2003 and involved 110 police. A total of 201 active offenders were arrested and 359 charges were laid. A murderer on a recall warrant was also located after being on the run for seven months.

“ Operations such as Choker and Chill have a real impact on the level of offending throughout Auckland,” says Roger. “The success of such operations is seen in the results and also in the latest crime statistics.”

There were drops in the level of recorded crime in every Auckland district with a spectacular reduction of 16.6 percent for Counties/Manukau.

Operation Chaser aimed to reduce the contribution of alcohol to crime. In the lead up to Christmas 2003, 90 staff worked weekends to ensure licensed premises were complying with licence conditions. This operation saw reduced disorder and other alcohol related offending during the run-in to Christmas with 278 prosecutions.

“ Further operations aimed at reducing alcohol and methamphetamine related crimes are planned and will include partner agencies such as Customs, Immigration and Education.”