Dannevirke: Police patrols bringing down district crime

Gary McKernon of the Dannevirke Police

An increase in pro-active policing is the reason Dannevirke's crime figures are on the way down, police say.

"We've had more patrols out and about and their presence seems to have brought our crime rates down," Dannevirke Police Constable Gary McKernon said. "Our figures are looking very pleasing."

Tararua Police District's Senior Sergeant Nathan Davis, confirmed reported crime in the district was falling.

"Every Tuesday I receive the figures for Tararua from Eketahuna to Norsewood and the aim is to be under 23 reported cases," Mr Davis said. "For the past six weeks we've had 127 cases reported, compared to 149 for the same period last year."

Mr Davis said the more visible police presence was making the difference.

"With police out of the station and on the beat, we're achieving results," he said.

"Last year we were averaging 25 reported crimes a week, now it's 21. You could be one of those four people not offended against and so we're starting to see the benefits of real, basic policing."

Mr Davis said the credit must go to his team, who were making their presence known with high-visibility patrols, pro-active policing and cops on the beat.

"We've had staff deployed at The Warehouse in Dannevirke because we know that in the school holidays there's an influx of children into the store," he said.

"The result has been no reported thefts or shoplifting there for the last week. It's been our decision to be pro-active and go on site at big shops ... working with business people and police have also been stopping more cars because you don't see burglars walking around with a big television, they drive."

Mr Davis says the public need to be aware his staff will stop more law-abiding locals in an attempt to catch criminals.

"I think our new policy here in the Tararua is working, though it's my team who are doing the work, not me," he said.

Mr McKernon said, meanwhile, Dannevirke Police had apprehended a man in his 20s who was facing seven burglary charges in the district court today. "A chap in Tennyson St had his house repeatedly broken into, with small stuff like coins taken," he said.