Rural Wanganui people are getting the same level of service from police as previously, despite the district no longer having a rural liaison officer, acting Wanganui area commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich says.
Mr Mastrovich been in the job since June, and is also area commander for Ruapehu. He was reacting to Wanganui Rural Community Board members' concerns that rural crime has not had the same level of attention since Constable Allan Spooner left the rural liaison job last year.
At their last meeting, members said Mr Spooner knew the rural road network and was able to catch rustlers. They noted the level of illegal carcass dumping recently and wondered if it was the result of rustling.
They planned to ask police for another dedicated rural police officer.
Mr Mastrovich said anyone who thought police had not carried on the same level of service was wrong.