Police applaud good behaviour in Taupo

The Taupo Police this afternoon extended their thanks to the public attending the A1GP event, and the powerboat racing series 'Thunder on the lake' over this long weekend. Police are applauding the overall good behaviour and attitudes of the spectators and are happy to do so.
There have been no issues involving any spectators at any of these events that have required the intervention of Police or that have resulted in any arrests.
At the A1GP venue Police had only two minor thefts, and items either lost or found were handed in and all were re-united to their owners. These statistics speak for themselves of the thousands of people in the event over the three days. The 'self-policing' by vendors of the spectators around alcohol consumption was excellent. All in all they were a great crowd who were there to enjoy the motor racing.
The Policing of the CBD area in the latter hours has been enjoyable for Police staff and they have described the atmosphere as being like a gala event. Levels of intoxication have been well monitored for the most part, and the licensee's and their staff have contributed to this atmosphere through avoiding serving intoxicated patrons.
Also contributing to the good behaviour and low numbers of arrests have been the extra numbers of Police brought in from around the Bay of Plenty Police District to assist Policing these events, the CBD, and the roads. Their high visibility in the township reinforced to all that any disorder would be immediately identified and acted upon.
Behaviour on the roads has also been positive with only moderately excessive speed being encountered on occasion, and very little reports of dangerous driving. The high visibility of Police staff on the highways and township was a direct indicator to all that any excessive speed or intoxicated drivers would have an extremely high chance of being caught.
Acting Area Commander Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce said that the aim of the Police operations around these events was to reduce the opportunities for crime and crashes. This was effective through our high visibility, prompt intervention and response, and has ensured that the community and visitors to Taupo enjoyed themselves and felt safe.
We wanted people to enjoy themselves and I feel that we achieved that aim through the positive feedback that the Police staff had received. This is also in part due to the good behaviour and patience of the public. These have been extremely well run events and the Police have enjoyed being involved in the events.
We would also like to thank the Taupo residents for their patience around these events and road closures and disruptions.

Todd Pearce
Acting Area Commander
Taupo Area
25 January 2009

Issued By: Inspector William Taylor