Greater presence paying off: police

Sergean Matt Scoles.
Sergean Matt Scoles.
An increase in police numbers at peak times in the Dunedin CBD is beginning to pay dividends, Dunedin police community relations co-ordinator Sergeant Matt Scoles says.

While no figures were available, anecdotally there had been a marked decline in the number of assaults and the amount of general disorder in the inner city, Sgt Scoles said.

Twelve months ago, Dunedin police went through a staff restructuring aimed at putting more staff on the beat at busier times, he said.

"We haven't made an addition to the number of staff, just more staff rostered to work at peak demand times.

"Being seen - it's the deterrent factor.

"Having more eyes on the street is certainly paying dividends.

"Alcohol is always going to bring disorder. Certainly, the amount of serious assaults around the Octagon has reduced."

The decline in disorder had been aided by bar staff and the introduction of community patrols in the inner city.

"The door staff, their practices and procedures are very good.

"It's not just us doing it. It's the whole shebang."

Ellis Hospitality Group general manager Phil Ellis said he had noticed significantly better behaviour in and around his bars in the Octagon during the past six months.

"The unruly element is gone, to a certain degree.

"And the inner-city assaults have virtually gone.

"It's all good because it makes the Octagon and the inner city a much safer place for patrons."

The Terrace Bar owner John MacDonald agreed there had been a decline in disorder in the CBD, but said there was an ongoing issue with large numbers of intoxicated people congregating in the Octagon.

"A lot of intoxicated people are congregating in the Octagon with nowhere to go because bars won't let them in."

There was still work to be done, but he was not sure what the solution to the problem was, he said.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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