Police Ten 7 nabs offenders

Screentime's Police Ten 7 television series has led to the arrests of 22 people so far this year, after the 20th episode screened last night.

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall says a high risk convicted child sex offender, 43 year old Brian Conroy, with several warrants to arrest, appeared on Police Ten 7 last night.

"After the episode screened, police in the Hutt Valley received a number of calls from members of the public, which led to the arrest of Conroy at a Stokes Valley address in the early hours of this morning. He is currently in custody awaiting a Court appearance later today."

Commissioner Marshall says it is clear that Police Ten 7 is extremely popular amongst New Zealanders, consistently rating in the top 10 most watched television shows, proving it is an excellent vehicle for engaging the public.

He says police are extremely grateful to Screentime for helping highlight the good work police officers do every day across New Zealand.

"It's evident that our communities are very interested in the work we do, as well as enjoying the colourful use of language from Police Ten 7 host and retired Detective Inspector Graham Bell, whom I worked with in the Auckland CIB many years ago."

Graham Bell says, "It's very gratifying that every week, Police Ten 7 viewers get more rat-bags and mongrels off the streets and help make New Zealand a safer place."

Screentime Managing Director Philly de Lacey says, "July this year will mark 10 years since Police Ten 7 first went to air, that’s a very long life for a New Zealand television series and every year it gets better."

She says last night’s episode drew over 30 percent of the television viewing audience, over 538,000 viewers. It just shows how interested New Zealander’s are in Police work – and to be fair - the badly behaved people too.

"It is exceptionally gratifying to be able to make a television series that is not only entertaining but provides a community service. There’s not many shows that get to do that and our team are thrilled at how many people choose to be community minded and call the Ten 7 line and absolutely help make a difference."

Ms de Lacey says, "Producing Police Ten 7 has certainly opened my eyes to some of the darker aspects of New Zealand life. I am constantly in awe of the work the police do, what they have to put up with, and thank the police for keeping us safe.”

Commissioner Marshall says all New Zealanders have a right to be safe and feel safe and preventing crime is our number one priority. This is a great example of an invaluable partnership which has aided in making our communities safer.

"We have always said that the public are the eyes and ears of Police and without them, we wouldn't have been able to place these 22 people before the Courts and hold them accountable."

Over the last decade of the Police Ten-7 series, more than a thousand wanted faces have appeared on air and close to 330 unsolved crimes, leading to the overall arrests of around 520 people.