Matapouri residents are furious over youths they say are terrorising the coastal community.
Fraser Reeves said he and other members of the public had logged complaints with police and the Whangarei District Council numerous times over the past five years but nothing had been done to put an end to the underage drinking, dangerous driving, bonfires, vandalism, graffiti, and general destruction that flared up in Matapouri every summer.
The beach, 35km northeast of Whangarei, needed a police presence to ensure the streets were safe, he said.
"What we are asking for is a safer community, for locals and for visitors."
Council community safety adviser Phil Shaw was shocked to hear of the situation in Matapouri, saying he had not had any complaints since he started working at the council a year ago.
He was aware that during the summer period there was often a problem with youths causing havoc at the beach but, because no one had actually filed complaints, the council could do nothing to help.
"We recognise there is a problem but we need people to tell us about it. Only then can we act."
He assured the public that if they spoke up the council would listen.
The council was more than willing to work with the community to try and create a safer environment, he said.
Mr Reeves, who is an Air New Zealand pilot, spends a lot of time at Matapouri with his wife and son.
"I love this place. I hate seeing it wrecked. This shouldn't be happening."
Broken bottles in the sand and cars screaming down the streets were a threat to his 8-year-old son's safety, he said.
"These young hoons are causing absolute destruction and no one's doing anything about it. We want action."
Matapouri had turned from a safe family beach to "a drag strip for the city's riff-raff", he said.
He planned to write to the council and police this week, detailing all the incidents that had recently occurred.
Police area commander Inspector Paul Dimery was aware of problems at Matapouri but had not heard of any major concerns, despite living close by.
Kamo's Sergeant Stephen Duckmanton, who monitors the Tutukaka coast, agreed saying as far as he knew Matapouri's problem with destructive youths was no worse than any other Northland beach.
He said police would be patrolling the beach regularly over summer and that two officers would be posted in Ngunguru, near Matapouri, from December 22 to January 11.
"There will definitely be a higher police presence over the Christmas and New Year period," he said.
Both officers encouraged members of the public to report crime if they were were aware of it. Only then could police justify the resources, Mr Duckmanton said. "We only have so many staff, we can't be everywhere."
" In an emergency call 111. To report crime on the Tutukaka coast call the Whangarei Police Station on (09) 430 4500 or the Kamo Police Station on (09) 435 1729. Alternatively, residents can report incidences such as graffiti or fires to the council's City Safe free phone number (0508) 2489 7233.
Rein in reckless youths, plead locals
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