Patrols provide peaceful parking

By RANI TIMOTI - Norwest News

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Visitors to carparks at Bethells beach and the Waitakere Ranges this festive season can have peace of mind.

In a multi-agency approach to reducing car crime, police and more than 200 community agency volunteers will join forces to patrol carparks at Waitakere’s popular beaches, dams and bush tracks.

Operation Speedo will run from December 22 to January 31, aiming to tackle thefts and break-ins at popular recreation spots, thus providing advice and reassurance to visitors.

As the third summer approaches, the initiative has been successful with reported car crimes in Waitakere beach carparks dropping by more than half on the previous year.

Coordinated by Safe Waitakere’s Vehicle Crime Action Group, it involves police, Waitakere City Council parking enforcement and Civil Defence officers, Auckland Regional Council park rangers, Watercare Services, Arataki Visitor Centre staff, west coast lifeguards, Rural Fire Service volunteers, Waitakere City Council park rangers, Neighbourhood Support Waitakere, ICON Security personnel and members of the Bethells, Piha and Karekare surf lifesaving clubs.

Patrols will keep in radio contact and report any suspicious or criminal activity to police.

"There is always an increase in car thefts and break-ins over the summer holiday period, predominantly in our beach carparks," says council’s Safe Waitakere Crime Prevention project leader Michael Alofa.

"By providing a visible presence in popular recreation spots and having the community working together, Operation Speedo volunteers will be helping to keep visitors safer from crime and ensure they take away happy memories from their day out."

Mr Alofa also urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to police.

"We don’t want anybody’s beach outing or bush walk to be tarnished by a vehicle break-in.

"We can all play our part in reducing car crime, starting with our own vehicles. Be sure to lock all doors and never leave personal items of value in view," he says.

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4788777a22695.html