Most feel safe on city streets

Drunk teenagers, dangerous drivers in fast cars and the homeless make central Auckland seem a frightening place for some people.

They fear crime has risen, the streets are full of louts looking for trouble and there are not enough police.

But nearly 80 per cent of the 1146 people surveyed in the Perceptions of Public Safety study felt the city was safe and 70 per cent felt it was as safe as or safer than five years ago. Around one-third of them could not say why they felt safe.

Others said it was because they had "never had a bad experience, threat or problem".

Others said it was because of the presence of a lot of other people, police and council initiatives such as lighting, security guards, cameras and the liquor ban.

Two per cent said they felt safer in central Auckland than in places such as London, South Africa or Fiji.

But even though the police presence made some feel safe, others cited it as a reason they didn't like coming into the city.

"There are too many dodgy people around and not enough cops," said one person.

People were concerned about homeless people - a recent study found more than 100 homeless people within 3km of the Sky Tower. "Dirty homeless people are intimidating and more police are needed in the area," said one respondent.

Other reasons for feeling unsafe in the city included too much crime, despite the latest police statistics showing a reduction, boy racers, street kids, homeless, criminals and drunks loitering in the CBD.

International students raised concerns about traffic and driving habits.

"After midnight it is very dangerous and sometimes when we cross the road the cars drive very fast," said one student.

The students also cited police inaction on crime. "I caught the man who scratch my car but the police said not enough evidence," said one.

Survey co-author Dr Cathy Casey said men felt safer than women and people who visited the area more frequently felt safer than infrequent visitors.

She recommended police examine international research on "reassurance policing" to improve people's perceptions.

Measures such as foot patrols, Maori wardens and regular patrol car sweeps would be a quick way of reassuring the public, she said.

The survey also recommend that Auckland City Council better communicate its 15 safety initiatives, many of which the public aren't aware of. Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard said the council would use the survey in developing further safety initiatives.

Auckland City District commander Detective Superintendent Gavin Jones said: "The survey results will help us focus on some specific areas of concern to members of the public."

AUT's Dr Casey and Professor Charles Crothers conducted the survey for Auckland City Police.