Police push crime and safety message

Constable Mario Kake (pictured) talks about boat safety with LLoyd Molloy while Jackson Younger (left), Luke Molloy and Zac Molloy watch at the Tutukaka Marina. Photo / Tania Whyte

It's nice not to worry while you're on holiday but Northland police are making sure knowledge on keeping safe does not go out the window.

As part of operation Sun, Sea and Sand Northland police will be patrolling beaches and campgrounds in the Bream Bay area, around Whangarei Heads and Pataua, the Tutukaka, Ngunguru and Matapouri area and also around Oakura and Whananaki.

Constable Mario Kake was out in Tutukaka yesterday and said the operation was focused on preventing crime. He said sometimes while on holiday people forgot to lock things away securely.

"People don't want to worry about that stuff when they're on holiday. This is about reiterating that message to lock things away - especially valuables. People just want to relax."

Mr Kake said police would also be ensuring boaties had correct equipment when heading out including life jackets, communication, and food.

Statistics show the Northland Police District experiences a 28.2 per cent increase in the calls over the Christmas and New Year period with calls ranging from dishonesty, disorder, family violence and traffic-related issues.

Senior Sergeant John Fagan said there was a huge increase in Northland's population with packed campgrounds and people travelling from Auckland or further.

"We have taken a prevention-first approach to policing our Whangarei holiday hot spots. With extra police staff patrolling the coastal beat, the public can expect to see us out walking around the campgrounds checking on security, calling into local businesses and making sure everyone enjoys a safe summer holiday here in Northland," he said.

Mr Kake said items commonly targeted were electronics and fishing gear. He said if people were heading out they needed to securely lock away gear and put valuables out of sight.