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Around 60 Wellsford business owners and residents met with police and security experts last month in a bid to boost community vigilance and reduce crime in the area.
The Wellsford Plus business association teamed up with the local branches of FMG Insurance and Farmlands to host the meeting, after discussions with police on how the community could best work together to prevent and solve crime.
The event came after a spate of farm vehicle thefts in the Wellsford and Tauhoa area, with four tractors being stolen in recent months (MM, Sep 16).
Wellsford Sergeant Dan McDermott said three of these had now been recovered and police were still actively pursuing the fourth. He stressed that preventative steps and prompt reporting were vital in trying to ensure thieves didn’t get away with such crimes.
“Ultimately, the safety of the community relies on the information shared among its members,” he said.
“Engaging in open communication is vital to protecting Wellsford and ensuring it remains a safe place for all.”
Wellsford Plus is currently raising funds to install a new $60,000 security camera network in town next year, details of which were outlined by CCTV specialist Safer Cities. The camera system would be set up to allow for rapid access by police, with the aim of facilitating real-time responses to incidents, and enhancing safety in the community, a spokesperson said.
The meeting also heard from FMG insurance on preventative measures that community members could take and practical tips for keeping accurate records of belongings, which could help police and expedite insurance claims.
There was also a presentation from GPS specialist business Teletrac Navman on anti-theft tracking systems and how they could be used in conjunction with police efforts to boost security.
Wellsford Plus chair Mitch Martin said afterwards the meeting had been valuable, with plenty of good advice on crime prevention.
“While crime is not always fully preventable, community action is always possible,” he said. “Participants were reminded that a cohesive community is less vulnerable to crime.”
