A "name and shame" campaign in Rotorua's main newspaper has local criminals giving up in droves.
Most Wanted, a monthly feature that began in the Daily Post on July 26, publishes the names and photographs of people who have failed to turn up to court to face their
charges.
In the first feature the newspaper published details of the 10 most wanted on its front page and in its next edition it published a further 20.
Since then, 26 people have handed themselves in to Rotorua police.
Nine of those had appeared in the newspaper - but the other 17 knew they were wanted but did not want to appear in future editions of the paper.
Editor Scott Inglis said there had been a positive response from the community, with only a couple of negative reactions.
"We're really pleased with the start it's had and we'll carry it on," hesaid.
"We were approached by the police to do this as a community service. We didn't hesitate and felt it was in the community's interest that we help the police find these wanted people and make them face justice."
Sergeant John Cassidy, of the Rotorua police intelligence section, said he was astounded at the response.
The aim of the joint initiative was to make accused criminals realise they could not flout the law by not turning up to court as well as speed up justice for victims, Mr Cassidy said.
On average about six people failed to appear in Rotorua District Court each day.
One person named was forced to hand himself in on Tuesday this week by his grandmother, said Mr Cassidy.
"Apparently his grandmother rang him up and said, 'Go and sort it out,you have brought shame and embarrassment on our family'."
- NZPA
