Quality security camera systems in commercial businesses are an effective crime prevention tool, but they're also helping progress serious crime investigations.
Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich, head of Wellington CIB, said CCTV is now commonplace in the commercial world, and so too is police accessing footage to help identify and track the movements of both crime victims and alleged offenders.
"Burglaries, robberies, assaults or homicides, as soon as we become aware of a serious crime it's standard practice for us to start looking for helpful security footage," he said.
"With the technology enhancements now available we're getting better quality pictures which heighten the chances of victims and offenders being identified."
Detective Inspector Arnerich praised commercial businesses for making footage available to police. "We've had some fantastic cooperation from businesses such as The Warehouse in Lyall Bay, Pak n Save Kilbirnie, Farmers and Bunnings during the Operation Red Rocks inquiry. Their camera systems are outstanding.
"We can never under-estimate the relevance of good quality security footage to inquiries. The last sighting we have of Tony Stanlake alive was of him shopping for a ballcock at Bunnings in Newtown at 12.13pm on Thursday, 6 July," he said. "Some time during the next three days he was killed."
Detective Inspector Arnerich said investigators still want to know more of Mr Stanlake's movements in the days leading up to when his body was found at Owhiro Bay beach on Sunday, 9 July.
"We also want to hear from people who may have seen Mr Stanlake in the Strathhavon Road, Miramar, area at any time in recent months."
Crime scene examinations are continuing at a house in Strathhavon Road where police believe Mr Stanlake was killed. Police recruits and investigators were also back at the Happy Valley Landfill today, sifting through refuse for Mr Stanlake's severed hands. So far the tip search has been unsuccessful.
People are urged to call the 0508 Red Rocks hotline - 0508 733 762 number with information that will help the inquiry.
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