New safety initiatives help reduce central city violence

A 36 per cent drop in serious assaults on Saturday nights within Christchurch’s central city during the last seven months is being attributed to the city’s new safety initiatives.

Christchurch Central Police Area Commander Inspector Derek Erasmus says the 36 per cent drop is from 6pm on Saturday to 7am on Sunday, and this is historically the busiest night for Police in the central city.

“What makes the result even more pleasing is that it has been recorded during what is traditionally the peak period for central city crime and violence.”

During the same period – November 2008 to May 2009 – the police have also recorded a 26 per cent drop in calls for service at the time of the night when the Alcohol Accord one-way door is being enforced.

“While the numbers are relatively low and still provisional, all indications are that the drop is significant and a fantastic result.”

Inspector Erasmus attributes the 36 per cent drop in serious assaults to the City Council introducing the Safe City Officers and the change of the one-way door under the Alcohol Accord from 4am to 3am.

“These are the major two things to have changed which could have brought about the drop in serious assaults.”

He says as a result of the reduction in serious assaults and the drop in calls for service, the police have been able to put more resources into other areas and deliver a better service to the wider community.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says see such outstanding results after only a few months are extremely encouraging.

“The Council has made a significant investment in safety initiatives and it is pleasing these are already having such a positive impact in the community. This is wonderful for the city.

“The safety of our residents and that of visitors to Christchurch has always been a top priority and I’m sure these two initiatives, along with last month’s introduction of 25 new crime prevention cameras, will only continue to make Christchurch a safer place.”

Mr Parker says he is confident such positive results will help to improve the public’s perception of safety in the central city and create a vibrant, prosperous and safe night-time environment for everyone to enjoy.

Christchurch CBD Alcohol Accord Management Committee Chairman Peter Morrison says he is thrilled with the 36 per cent drop in serious assaults within the central city.

“This shows that the Alcohol Accord has been successful in helping to reduce alcohol-related violence and that our decision back in November to change the one-way door to 3am was the right one.

“The hospitality industry has been willing to respond to calls for change which help minimise the community risks associated with our business and help create a safer community.”

He says perceptions that Christchurch’s central city is unsafe have a significant impact on shaping residents, visitors and tourists impressions about Christchurch and influence people’s decisions when considering where to host conferences, hold business meetings or go for holidays.

“These latest results are tremendous and I’m sure we will continue to see even greater results in the coming months.”