Cops on the beat to give crook-nailing tips

Inspector Jim Wilson (left), with volunteer Peter Yeh and Constable Ming Huang, discuss tomorrow's tactics. Photo / Dean Purcell

Police volunteers will be taking to the streets tomorrow - playing "memory games" and sharing crime prevention tips in different languages with the public, in a bid to reduce crime targeted at the Asian community.

Inspector Jim Wilson, police Western Area Commander, said the first Asian Safety Patrol is being launched in Balmoral tomorrow to "redress the issue of crime" in the Asian community, which is being "disproportionately represented" in the victims statistics.

Nearly 40 multi-ethnic patrol members, armed with crime prevention booklets printed in five different languages, will be out and about in the Dominion Rd area, telling members of the Asian business owners and members of the community to run away if the crime suspect is aggressive, and how to note a person's description without staring.

"Most Asians will know how to ring 111 to report a crime, but many don't know what to report or the details we require," said Jessica Phuang, police Asian liaison officer.

"The crime prevention booklet clearly lists in a section on memory enhancement what is required, including noting details such as ethnicity, hair colour and peculiarity."

The patrol comprises Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Indian, Japanese and Russian volunteers.

Ms Phuang said the booklets have been printed in the five languages of communities identified as having the biggest barriers to reporting crime.

They include Chinese, Korean, Hindi and an Arabic edition.

The Auckland region has 97 Asian officers, but 348 Asians have applied to join the police in the past year - and Ms Phuang said she hoped that the patrol will further help the police recruitment drive among Asians.

During the last round of recruitment seminars, 1940 people have registered - 77 per cent more than the same time last year.

Mr Wilson said many of the patrol members have applied to join the police and their work with the Asian Safety Patrol would be good training to build their confidence and with communicating with diverse communities.

Successful applicants will be part of the extra 300 police officers the Government has pledged for the Counties Manukau district.

WORTH NOTING

* Don't stereotype - anyone can steal; trust your instincts.
* Your life and safety are worth more than money.
* Note the offender's description, but don't stare.
* Details to note include: mouth-lip shape, facial hair, chin and actual words used.