Christmas is a time for goodwill, so the message from Bay of Plenty District Police is to consider everyone around you, and to think before you act.
Mindless, wilful damage and nuisance behaviour happens all too regularly. Much is committed by bored youths or people who have had one too many drinks.
"This sort of behaviour can be very distressing; particularly for vulnerable and elderly people," says Inspector Steve Bullock, Prevention Manager for Bay of Plenty District. “To those involved it might seem like harmless fun, but it can leave communities feeling fearful and unsafe and when it escalates to physical damage and graffiti, it can become very costly, not only to the victim but to the offender if they are caught and convicted.
"Anyone convicted for an action that, to them, was 'just a bit of fun' could quickly find themselves unable to get a job or go overseas."
Wilful damage which includes tagging, smashing letterboxes and damaging road signs, bus shelters and phone boxes carries a fine of up to $2,000 or three months in prison. Parents can also be made to pay for the damage if the offender is under the age of 16 years.
“We all need to take pride and responsibility in our communities and do what we can to prevent and report behaviour that threatens our safety and quality of life. We particularly appeal to parents to know where their children are, and to ensure they have plenty of responsible activities to keep them occupied over the holiday period.”
If you have information about criminal activity but don’t want to reveal your identity; you can pass it anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at www.crimestoppers-nz.org
This advice forms part of the 12 Crime of Christmas campaign by Bay of Plenty District Police who wish you a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.