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Sandringham residents who became upset with police reaction when two girls fled a drug property in terror last week say they now have hope that officers will deal appropriately with calls for help.
Concerns were raised when the girls called 111 after an incident in Haverstock Rd. The police received four emergency calls, but it took them more than an hour to turn up.
Police say their response was adequate as the girls reported that a car had been unlawfully taken - not an issue of immediate concern.
The residents, who say they live in fear of the inhabitants of the drug property, also raised concerns that the initial 111 call was cut off and no one tried to call the girls back.
Police have not answered questions put to them over whether they know why the call was cut off or if anyone tried to call back.
They have also refused to give the Herald transcripts of the 111 calls, citing privacy reasons. The Herald is appealing to the Ombudsman for access.
Many residents say the incident was part of a wider problem in the street. They say the inhabitants of the property, believed to be members of the King Cobras gang, are intimidating.
Several residents reported being upset by loud "three-day-long" parties at the home and disorder-related behaviour that is not criminal but upsets the neighbourhood. Several residents said they did not feel safe walking past the home.
Auckland police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty told the Herald 13 arrests were made for alleged drug-related activities during a raid on the property in January.
Ms Hegarty said police routinely made street patrols and bail checks at such addresses.
Problems of intimidation were difficult for police because often the activities were not illegal.
"We're certainly not shying away from these guys or addresses," said Ms Hegarty.
"But we do have to have really good grounds to go into a property and execute search warrants."
Police had been in constant contact with Neighbourhood Support members in the street since Sunday.
The girls told local residents and a taxi driver who helped them that gang members had taken their car.
