City safety officers helping public more

Dunedin's safety officers have finished this year's patrols, after 13,000 interactions with the public since the end of August last year.

The officers' interactions with the public had increased in the past five years, and become more targeted following increased communication with retailers and building owners, Dunedin City Council customer advocate Adrian Blair said.

Since the start of the 2007-08 season, the officers had made more than 180 "behavioural interventions" - occasions where officers stop or discourage offensive or disorderly behaviour.

More than 400 people had been reminded of the central city liquor ban, and 8000 people had been given directions and information about events.

People had also been walked to taxis or to meet friends when they were on their own.

The officers also removed bottles and litter from the streets.

Dunedin introduced central city safety officers in November 2003, and their continued presence was confirmed last year after a grant of $65,000 a year for five years from the Government Crime Prevention Unit.

The service was expanded to include North Dunedin in 2005 to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour during peak times, such as the orientation period and the end of the university year.

Mr Blair said the increase in interactions - from 5900 in the 2005/06 year to 13,000 in the 2007/08 year - was due in part to discussions with businesses in areas like Bath St and Albion Lane/Albion Pl to better deal with problems in those areas.

The officers and police now had an increased presence there.

The safety officers will return for the weekend of the July 12 All Blacks v Springboks test at Carisbrook.

 

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