Policing changes hit Beach

Police will still maintain a presence at the Waihi Beach station.

Waihi Beach police staff are preparing to move to the new policing hub in Paeroa with the two Beach constables becoming part of the new 24-7 hub from the beginning of August.

"The change should be effective on August 10, but this date is still subject to change," said Hauraki sub area supervisor Senior Sergeant Rex Knight.

"Its objective is to provide Hauraki District with a quicker and better response to emergencies. The response time should also stay the same, if not quicker than having constables on-call, as we used to do," said Mr Knight.

Patrols would be mobile and operate 24 hours but a community constable would still be based at the Waihi Beach station.

"Beach residents will still see the police staff regularly in their township.

"There will be no difference when they will need to report an event, they will dial the same number as before - Waihi police station - or they will be able to call the Paeroa station and, according to the nature of the report, they will be directly transferred to the right service."

Mr Knight will also move to Paeroa, where he will be in charge of a wider area.