Sign In / Register
More than 60 Ōrewa businesses met last month to raise concerns about recent crime in the town centre and discuss ways to improve safety. The meeting was organised by Destination Ōrewa Beach and brought together police, Auckland Council compliance staff and community patrol representatives.
Those attending included Waitematā North Area Commander Inspector John Thornley, Rodney Crime Prevention officer Nina Pedersen, Rodney Youth Aid officer Sergeant Jon Williams, HBC Community Patrol representative John Redwood, Council compliance manager Adrian Wilson and Destination Ōrewa Beach manager Hellen Wilkins.
MP Cameron Brewer’s senior adviser, Alexia Mesnage, attended on behalf of MP Mark Mitchell, who had a conflict of interest due to his role as Minister of Police.
Inspector Thornley acknowledged that police resourcing remained an issue for the area and encouraged businesses to report every incident to 111 or 105 so crime levels could be accurately gauged.
A police team was working on the recent town centre incident involving an arson and two ramraids, he said, and although he could not discuss details, Inspector Thornley said he understood the fear and uncertainty it caused and that police had a taskforce in place and were developing a crime prevention plan.
He also noted that the new Police Commissioner has placed a strong focus on increasing police visibility, supported by increased patrols and measures such as the reopening of the Waitematā East District Custody Unit earlier this year. This reduced the time frontline officers spent transporting people in custody.
Inspector Thornley said he would continue to push for additional CCTV and automatic number plate recognition technology on the Coast. This recognition system allows police to identify when known offenders enter the area.
Several business owners at the meeting expressed frustration about repeat low-level offending, antisocial behaviour and shoplifting involving a known group of offenders. Some retailers said it was discouraging to report incidents only to see the same individuals return the next day.
Others said older residents often felt intimidated around the ATMs in areas such as Hillary Square or in the lane alongside Paper Plus, as well as having concerns over people freedom camping on Ōrewa Beach.
Inspector Thornley acknowledged the community’s frustration. He advised retailers to contact police on 111 if they felt threatened, or on 105 to report incidents, and said police intended to increase their presence in the town centre. He added that police would continue to work with the Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol, Destination Ōrewa Beach and Council compliance staff to strengthen local safety networks.
Council compliance manager Adrian Wilson said that working with rough sleepers and the homeless was a complex issue but that he was working to increase compliance officers in the area.
Hellen Wilkins says Destination Ōrewa Beach will meet police again in six months to monitor progress and that since the meeting, Ōrewa now has two Council compliance officers patrolling 40 hours a week.
