Police trial 24-hour burglary desk

By PATRICK GOWER

A 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week "burglary desk" will be tried in West Auckland as part of a hardline police approach to the crime in the area.

Senior Sergeant Barry Hollewand, who is heading the project, said the burglary desk officer would take the call when burglary victims first phoned police.

The officer would give an exact time when police would visit.

"It might not be right away, but the complainant will know when to expect them," he said.

Police are also setting up a new database that will help track repeat burglaries.

Senior Sergeant Hollewand said that with accurate information readily available, premises that were repeatedly burgled would be identified and action taken.

This action would follow the "tried and true approach" used in Huddersfield, England, and in Wanganui.

Police would urge rapid repair of doors and windows, installation of locks and alarms and the use of Neighbourhood Watch, surveillance and other security options.

A mix of sworn and non-sworn staff will man the desk, with the burglary squad responsible for following up reported burglaries.

The new programme will be run in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch, Victim Support and safer Community Councils.

The West Auckland move comes as the Government gives priority to anti-burglary measures.

Nationally the number of burglaries fell 5 per cent last year but the total still reached 74,000.