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Zero tolerance approach to alcohol-fuelled violence in Kapiti

Tuesday 18 September 2012, 4:30PM

By New Zealand Police

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Kapiti Police will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to alcohol-fuelled violence on the Kapiti Coast in the coming days, weeks and months.

Kapiti Mana Area Commander Inspector John Price says despite media reports to the contrary, Police resources in the Kapiti Lights complex were bolstered following the death of 17 year old Izak Millanta just over five weeks ago.

"Following Izak's tragic death, local Police began discussions with Kapiti Coast District Council and partner agencies to address the issues of alcohol-fuelled violence. Over the weekend, another young man's life was tragically cut short as a result of a fight."

Sean Strongman-Lintern, aged 20, died as a result of a stab wound in the Kapiti Lights complex, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

"Whilst Police have an absolute role to play in keeping the community safe and preventing crime, the solution to alcohol-fuelled violence lies with the community as well."

Inspector Price says a successful meeting between Police, Kapiti Mayor Jenny Rowan and councillors was held this morning, to discuss a range of initiatives to make the Kapiti Lights complex a safer place.

"Part of that will mean an even more highly visible Police presence in this area. We will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to disorder, possession of offensive weapons and intoxication. Anyone caught breaking the law can expect to be arrested and face a night in the cells."

Other prevention initiatives discussed this morning including improved lighting at the western end of the Kapiti Lights complex carpark and increasing CCTV surveillance. A meeting between Police, the KCDC and the Kapiti Lights complex body corporate will be held tomorrow.

"We want the community of Kapiti to be safe and feel safe. We know the community is feeling the deaths of Izak and Sean deeply. I want the community to be assured that Police are totally committed to working alongside the Council, partner agencies and the community as a whole, to find a solution, to ensure no more lives are taken in such tragic circumstances."