Thursday, 29 November 2018 - 1:58pm |
Auckland City

Police encourage revellers to “look after your mates” this summer

2 min read

Police are urging Aucklanders and those visiting our city over the summer period to look after your mates and have plans in place to make sure you and your wider whanau and friends have a safe and pleasant time while enjoying the summer festivities.

Police are launching Operation Summer this week, a targeted Police operation across Tāmaki Makaurau which will be focusing on key areas of demand that typically increase over the summer period.

Operation Summer identifies trends in offending and hotspot areas over the busy summer season and Police will be proactively deployed to prevent these types of incidents from occurring rather than responding reactively to events at they occur.

Inspector Jacqui Whittaker, Auckland City District Prevention Manager, says the holiday period is a busy time with increased demand on Police, emergency services and our partner agencies across Tāmaki Makaurau.

“Trends Police see during this period include increases in alcohol harm events, family harm incidents, road crashes, water-related call outs and burglaries.

“Police will be out in force, actively patrolling in hotspot areas over the next two months making sure everyone is safe.

“We ask that revellers drink responsibly and we discourage ‘pre-loading’. We will be enforcing liquor bans and checking licensed premises are complying with the law and not serving intoxicated people.

“We also urge people to plan ahead and make sure you know how you are going to get home. It is your responsibility to look after your mates and check they also get home safely,” says Inspector Whittaker.

Police also advise motorists to factor in breaks when taking long commutes and to drive patiently and to the conditions, with many roads becoming more congested over this time.

The festive season also typically sees an increase in tension in some homes as well as family harm incidents.

Anyone who witnesses or has information about family harm is asked to contact Police. Anyone who doesn’t feel safe should immediately phone 111.

Police will also have an increased presence near popular water spots over summer and we encourage everyone at the beach to keep close watch on their mates or family in case they get into trouble.

The public can expect an increase in Police presence around areas such as Piha and Muriwai, Waiheke, Mission Bay, Orewa, Beachlands and Maraetai.

Police urge anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to call 111 immediately.

“We want everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves over the summer break but we also want everyone to be safe over the holidays. 

“You can help us keep our community safe by looking after your mates and whanau and ensuring that everyone behaves responsibly.”

ENDS

Nick Baker/NZ Police