Western Bay police move on skatepark baddies

Western Bay police want to serve trespass notices on those causing trouble at two public places in a move to stop violence, vandalism and disorder.

Police want the authority to act on behalf of Tauranga City Council to ban people for two years if they are committing crimes or causing problems at two skateparks at Arataki and Otumoetai.

They are waiting for their application to be brought before a council meeting for approval.

The application follows controversy over moves in Rotorua aimed at banning criminals with more than five dishonesty convictions in the past five years from the central business district.

Police wanted the Rotorua District Council to ban repeat criminals from the inner city for three months when they commit a sixth offence but have since been told that trespass notices will not hold up in court.

As a result, the council is drafting a bill to put before Parliament.

Acting Western Bay police area commander Inspector Bob Burns said the skatepark move was different from the Rotorua situation because people who would be banned would have been abusing a public place to the detriment of the rest of the community.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)