Businesses, stakeholders join forces to tackle crime
An interactive session was convened between the Police, local board members, business owners, and council members to discuss the rising crime incidents in the community in Christchurch on January 31. The meeting was held at the Terra Viva Cafe and was attended by over 50 people, including representatives from various local organizations and community groups.
The session began with Canterbury Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd sharing the crime statistics of the last 24 hours to provide a context on how the police resources are deployed on a typical day.
According to Superintendent Todd, there were 10 break-in cars, 14 general thefts including shoplifting, 15 burglaries, residential and commercial, 26 crashes, 29 calls for service for vehicle offending, seven calls for service for mental health issues, 16 calls for service for attempted suicides and 28 calls for service for family harm. These numbers go considerably higher during weekends.
Superintendent Todd also shared some initiatives that the Police have launched in association with various organizations and agencies to tackle the root causes of crime, particularly among youth. These initiatives address issues such as lack of education, job opportunities, and substance abuse. The Police also run programmes on crime prevention through environmental design to train people and advise them on how to improve the security around their premises.
Commenting on the perception that the system is soft on crime, Superintendent Todd said that the Police are trying their best to gather evidence and present them in front of the court, after which the law takes its course.
Rather than putting the youth behind bars for years, if we try to get them education, counselling and mental health care, there will be better outcomes for them, society and taxpayers as well.
Member of Parliament for Ilam, Sarah Pallett, who was also present, highlighted the need to look more closely at the socio-economic causes and offer wrap-around support for the suffering families. She stated that efforts are underway to introduce the Better Pathways package in Christchurch to reduce youth crime by placing more young individuals in education, training, or employment.
Also present was local board member Shirish Paranjape who highlighted the need to make it easier and more convenient to report incidents online.
Amit Sarkar, a Kiwi-Indian present at the meeting, emphasized the need to hold similar sessions in other areas in Christchurch and ensure that information and ideas are regularly exchanged.
Some local business owners also raised concerns that the government's emergency housing initiatives are responsible for the rise in crime in the area. There were reports that one of the motels in the area has been transformed into short-term emergency housing.
MP Pallett and Superintendent Todd promised to look into this.
Others present at the meeting included Gary Watson - Community Partnerships and Planning Manager - Christchurch City Council, and Murray from neighbourhood support
Sam Hall from Christchurch Community Patrol shared their numbers and stated that they have a small team of dedicated volunteers who work hard to ensure the community is safe. However, they need more volunteers to help with effective patrolling. The community patrol duties include observing and reporting suspicious activities, assisting with traffic control, and providing general information to the public. They collaborate with the local police department to provide a safer community. By joining the community patrol, individuals can help make a positive difference in their neighbourhood and keep their community safe. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the community patrol for more information.
The floor was later opened for discussion, and various community members shared their perspectives on the issue. Present business owners shared incidents of break-ins and thefts that have their staff spooked.
Various ideas were discussed to prevent crime. Participants discussed the importance of installing more cameras in high-crime areas and setting up an online group to share information and updates on criminal activity in the community. These initiatives aim to increase public safety and deter criminal behaviour.
The session ended positively with some action points for the police department and the council. Those present were encouraged to take an active role in preventing crime by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the Police.
The community remains hopeful of the outcomes and that their efforts will lead to a safer and more secure environment for all residents.
An interactive session was convened between the Police, local board members, business owners, and council members to discuss the rising crime incidents in the community in Christchurch on January 31. The meeting was held at the Terra Viva Cafe and was attended by over 50 people, including...
An interactive session was convened between the Police, local board members, business owners, and council members to discuss the rising crime incidents in the community in Christchurch on January 31. The meeting was held at the Terra Viva Cafe and was attended by over 50 people, including representatives from various local organizations and community groups.
The session began with Canterbury Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd sharing the crime statistics of the last 24 hours to provide a context on how the police resources are deployed on a typical day.
According to Superintendent Todd, there were 10 break-in cars, 14 general thefts including shoplifting, 15 burglaries, residential and commercial, 26 crashes, 29 calls for service for vehicle offending, seven calls for service for mental health issues, 16 calls for service for attempted suicides and 28 calls for service for family harm. These numbers go considerably higher during weekends.
Superintendent Todd also shared some initiatives that the Police have launched in association with various organizations and agencies to tackle the root causes of crime, particularly among youth. These initiatives address issues such as lack of education, job opportunities, and substance abuse. The Police also run programmes on crime prevention through environmental design to train people and advise them on how to improve the security around their premises.
Commenting on the perception that the system is soft on crime, Superintendent Todd said that the Police are trying their best to gather evidence and present them in front of the court, after which the law takes its course.
Rather than putting the youth behind bars for years, if we try to get them education, counselling and mental health care, there will be better outcomes for them, society and taxpayers as well.
Member of Parliament for Ilam, Sarah Pallett, who was also present, highlighted the need to look more closely at the socio-economic causes and offer wrap-around support for the suffering families. She stated that efforts are underway to introduce the Better Pathways package in Christchurch to reduce youth crime by placing more young individuals in education, training, or employment.
Also present was local board member Shirish Paranjape who highlighted the need to make it easier and more convenient to report incidents online.
Amit Sarkar, a Kiwi-Indian present at the meeting, emphasized the need to hold similar sessions in other areas in Christchurch and ensure that information and ideas are regularly exchanged.
Some local business owners also raised concerns that the government's emergency housing initiatives are responsible for the rise in crime in the area. There were reports that one of the motels in the area has been transformed into short-term emergency housing.
MP Pallett and Superintendent Todd promised to look into this.
Others present at the meeting included Gary Watson - Community Partnerships and Planning Manager - Christchurch City Council, and Murray from neighbourhood support
Sam Hall from Christchurch Community Patrol shared their numbers and stated that they have a small team of dedicated volunteers who work hard to ensure the community is safe. However, they need more volunteers to help with effective patrolling. The community patrol duties include observing and reporting suspicious activities, assisting with traffic control, and providing general information to the public. They collaborate with the local police department to provide a safer community. By joining the community patrol, individuals can help make a positive difference in their neighbourhood and keep their community safe. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the community patrol for more information.
The floor was later opened for discussion, and various community members shared their perspectives on the issue. Present business owners shared incidents of break-ins and thefts that have their staff spooked.
Various ideas were discussed to prevent crime. Participants discussed the importance of installing more cameras in high-crime areas and setting up an online group to share information and updates on criminal activity in the community. These initiatives aim to increase public safety and deter criminal behaviour.
The session ended positively with some action points for the police department and the council. Those present were encouraged to take an active role in preventing crime by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the Police.
The community remains hopeful of the outcomes and that their efforts will lead to a safer and more secure environment for all residents.
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