Police and Waitaki District Council Focus on Alcohol Related Offences During the Festive Season

Alcohol related offences are the main focus of police and the Waitaki District Council throughout the District over the festive period.

Police, Emergency Services, Waitaki District Council’s Community Safety Officer, Community Board Members and Rate Payers Committee members attended a meeting on Monday 21 December at the Otematata Community Centre. Sergeant Woodbridge informed attendees that an increase in Police numbers will be noticeable throughout the Waitaki Valley over the holiday period. Sergeant Woodridge explained “A temporary office will be set up at the Otematata Community Centre and temporary facilities to detain and process offenders in Omarama.”

Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy stated “residents and visitors to the Waitaki Valley are encouraged to phone Police on 111 or *555 regardless of the time day or night and they will respond. If anyone is concerned about any driving offences, anti-social behaviour, disorderly conduct, burglary or damage they are encouraged to contact us” he said.

The Police Highway Team will be targeting motorists who drive while under the influence of drink and drugs and will be monitoring drivers’ speed, fatigue, mobile phone use and the wearing of seat belts.

Camping grounds will be monitored by a Camp Ranger who would like to see campers dispose of glass bottles and rubbish by using landfills or taking their rubbish away with them.

There is a total fire ban at the Waitaki District camp sites due to the dry conditions. This will be monitored closely by the Camp Ranger.

“Police will be working very closely with emergency services and the Camp Ranger and will keep each other informed of lake levels, weather conditions, fire risks, potential trouble spots and offenders” Sergeant Woodbridge said.

Waitaki District Council’s Community Safety Officer has been asked by Waitaki Valley residents what is being done during the festive season following the behavior of youth staying with families in the Otematata township and young people camping at Loch Laird during Labour Weekend.

“Over the past month a number of young people who were involved in causing damage and disorderly conduct were dealt with by Youth Aid and the Community Clean Up programme. Young offenders have been involved in removing graffiti and picking up glass and rubbish in the Waitaki Valley and Oamaru” Alison Banks said. “I will be working in Omarama during the Rodeo event to support the Liquor Ban and the police initiative to support offenders to clean up the streets. This is a first for the Omarama community and will enable Council and Police to monitor the temporary Liquor Ban for future use in Waitaki townships.”

“Other initiatives have been discussed with Council, Police and emergency services. These will be taken to Ahuriri Community Board next year for further discussion and possible implementation” Alison said. “One of the biggest problems throughout the District is parents supplying young people with alcohol and not being aware of the consequences of this action. A number of young people have been caught shoplifting and damaging property since school broke up. My message to these parents is please take responsibility for your children, spend time with them and be aware of where they are and what they are doing”.

In Oamaru township it will be business as usual. The Waitaki Guardians have increased their beat in the business district to include afternoons. They will be working during the evening leading up to Christmas. Their role will help support visitors to Oamaru, providing them with information, boost reassurance amongst festive revelers and be a deterrent to those who commit drink-related offences.

Derek Beveridge, Waitaki Guardians Manager, explained "Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for our town. Thankfully, most people are out to enjoy the festive season, but we hope that the increased high visibility patrols will assist in deterring anyone from causing problems."

Mr Beveridge would like to remind people to “look out for your mates”. “Our team sees so many people out there having a good time but also see people doing stupid things that get them into trouble, hurt themselves or even worse hurt others. 99% of these incidents could be avoided if a mate stepped in to stop them from getting intoxicated earlier in the day or night. The majority of people are fantastic when they are sober but when they are drunk can be really difficult to deal with”.

The Police and Waitaki District Council’s Community Safety Team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.