Police in Bay of Plenty are putting its full support behind a Crimestoppers campaign aimed at reducing the number of Maori victims of crime in the District.
The campaign launched today seeks to raise awareness of Crimestoppers and encourage Maori to call the 0800 555111 number to provide information that will help prevent and reduce crime and victimisation in their communities.
The first phase of the campaign has a road safety focus but other concerns such as alcohol harm and family violence will form part of the campaign over coming months with local communities being encouraged to play an active part in the design and the messages.
“This is a great initiative by Crimestoppers and particularly pleasing that it has been initiated by Eastern Bay of Plenty Iwi as we stand to have much stronger and safer communities if we all play a part in preventing and solving crime together,” says Bay of Plenty Police Prevention Manager Scott Fraser.
“We fully recognise that some people may not feel comfortable contacting the police, even anonymously. Crimestoppers not only provides complete anonymity, it operates independently of Police and is a valuable mechanism for us to capture information that might not otherwise come to our attention.”
Police Iwi Liaison Officers and other police staff will be helping to raise awareness of the campaign and Crimestoppers through their work in the community.
“There is only so much the Police can do alone,” said Inspector Fraser. “We rely heavily on information from the community. Even a small, seemingly innocuous, snippet of information might be the final piece of the puzzle, or it may be the call that will save a life or stop someone from becoming a victim of crime. What better way that a safe and trusted channel through which people can prevent crime or tell us about someone who needs our help, support or intervention.”
Media enquiries should be referred to Mere Wilson on 04 474 8856.
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