Mounted police to patrol town

1.00pm

Whangarei police will this summer use a horse to help tackle crime in the inner city.

The horse, Moon, which was more than a little fidgety in the Cameron Sreet mall yesterday, will be on patrol as part of a response to calls for a greater police presence on the streets.

Whangarei retailers have raised concerns about the behaviour of some young people.

A public meeting last month identified intimidation, drunkenness, abusive language and public urination as common problems in some parts of the central business district.

There was a call for better street lighting, a stronger police presence and security cameras in problem areas.

Whangarei police area controller Inspector Paul Dimery said mounted police horse patrols in the city and at local beaches, where they have been visiting for three summers, would help improve police visibility.

The public found mounted police highly approachable. If an officer on horseback encountered violence or trouble other officers would be called to help.

Mr Dimery said a recently formed "tactical response group", and the fact that he would be asking the officers "to actually get out of their cars" more, would also improve police visibility.

Retailers who attended the October public meeting said the mounted patrols were a positive step.

Five security cameras installed throughout the central business district will continue to be monitored and recorded at the police station.

Further initiatives are to be discussed by Whangarei district councillors, including addressing issues facing youth and elderly in the city.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)