Lower Hutt police take time out for a game of basketball with Wainuiomata youth

Constables Tom Anderson (left), Scott Mudgeway, Hayden Gibbons and Ethan Morta play a game of basketball with Wainuiomata kids. Photo/Facebook

A group of Lower Hutt police officers took a break from patrolling this afternoon to play a game of basketball with Wainuiomata teens.

"Constables saw youths playing basketball on the court next to the Wainuiomata League clubrooms and decided to stop and see how their day was going," said a post on the Wellington District Police Facebook page.

"Pretty soon the challenge went up for a game and this was a perfect opportunity to engage with some of the community's local youth."

Many passing drivers tooted in support or stopped to cheer on the two groups, the post said.

"Sergeant Billy Slight said that some might see it as a game of basketball but you just can't measure the huge amount of community engagement it might have generated."

Police took the win, with a "spectacular 3 point shot by Constable Mudgeway".

The Facebook post has already earned more than 1500 likes, 90 shares, and numerous comments.

"Love seeing scenes like this. Better work stories," commented Sharon Mcleod.

"Policing 101 . . . prevention is better than the cure. Building a strong rapport and having a consistent presence in our community is vital. Our station may only be manned a few hours a week now but being seen and being interactive with our community is priceless. Keep it up," said Rima Workman.

Some of Lower Hutt Police’s constables have been patrolling Wainuiomata today and taken on a new challenge… Constables...

Posted by Wellington District Police on Friday, May 26, 2017