Rotorua Sunday crime waves targeted by new police unit

Circle_see_more_DP.epsBy Kelly Makihakelly.makiha@nzme.co.nzKelly_Makiha_FEB16.eps

Most crime in Rotorua happens on Sundays - so local police are trialling a new tactic that aims to prevent crime from happening on those days.

Family violence, driving incidents and reports of dishonesty offences all go up on Sundays.

A new crime prevention unit, which started at the weekend , sees a group of four staff members plucked from other non-frontline policing teams work together to stop crime from occurring.

Rotorua police crime prevention manager Brendon Keenan said the group would do cold calls on active criminals, frequent high crime areas including carparks, tourist areas and public places and visit frequently targeted victims.

He said their aim was to keep the peace and put off any would-be criminals.

Keenan said Sundays were possibly busier than other days as people were getting over socialising at the weekend including drinking alcohol, consuming drugs and spending money.

He said criminals also targeted hot spots on this day because generally there tended to be more people out and about.

"A lot of things really get busy on Sundays sadly, particularly family violence and driving offences."

Keenan said four police officers would work on the unit during the day on Sunday and would be rostered from different policing groups that didn't already work on the frontline, including youth aid, CIB and family violence.

The unit will work as a trial until at least April next year.

"This unit supports the frontline capability in ensuring proactive crime prevention and visibility across our city while our frontline staff continue with their response."