Finding long-term, sustainable solutions to crime, road trauma and anti-social behaviour is the aim of a police operation across the Bay of Plenty District this week.
Operation Presence will take place on Friday.
Prevention Manager, Inspector Scott Fraser said: "Responding to crime and crashes and carrying out investigations will always be a critical element of our business, but we have to ensure that prevention is at the forefront. If we are going to continue to reduce offending and victimisation we have to take the time to tackle the root causes."
Tackling the causes of crime is not just a role for police. It requires combined commitment from a range of partner agencies, community organisations and Iwi to empower communities to help themselves.
"This is a valuable opportunity for us as a service to engage face-to-face with our communities and to develop further our understanding of the issues they face. It is also an opportunity for large numbers of staff, no matter what their role, to get involved in prevention activity at the coal-face," said Inspector Fraser.