Local police armed with information

 

By Julia Wade

Mangawhai’s uniformed police and associated team members were out in force recently, forming a thin blue line outside the courtyard of Bennett’s Chocolate Factory.

However, the police presence was not to monitor the community’s candy intake, but to engage passers-by with their first Pop-up Police stall on January 26. 

Officers and members of Mangawhai’s community patrol were armed with pamphlets and hand-outs containing a range of information on the many ways local officers can assist the community including prevention of rural crime, burglary prevention packs, details on airguns in relation to the Arms Act, and a ‘party-safe’ registration form, which informs police of events that may require monitoring or intervention if celebrations get out of hand. Free giveaways and colouring–in activities for younger visitors were also an attraction. 

Wellsford Station Support Officer, Lindy Lawn, says the morning was also to clarify and assure the public that although police may not spend as much time at their stations as in previous eras, officers are still available to meet and receive information from members of the community.

“Policing is evolving with the times,” she says. “Gone are the days of the ‘90’s when police work was more rigid and officers could be found behind a desk. Due to technology, officers are becoming more mobile which is a good thing because it brings police more into the community.”

When reporting information relating to a crime or incident, citizens calls are transferred through a 24/7 operated call centre and the reports are then forwarded to Wellsford and Mangawhai Police, Lawn says, who also multi-tasks as Mangawhai Police High Performance Coordinator. 
“Of course if something is going down, a crime or an emergency situation and especially if someone is in danger, always call 111.” 

 For non-emergency reporting on a crime or incident, phone 09 477 5000.
 To make an appointment with a staff member contact Wellsford Police 09 423 8228. Calls will be diverted to the call centre if station is unattended.
 To report crimes anonymously, call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
 Always call 111 for emergencies.


Mangawhai’s combined policing team: Community Patrol Coordinator Wayne Price, multi-tasker Police Support Officer Lindy Lawn, Sergeant Geoff Medland and Constable Dale Wewege.