Police say the suburb is statistically a safe community to live in, but a 2000-signature strong petition started by Donnell to address the problem suggested otherwise.
The petition was presented to the Coastal-Burwood Community Board this week, which asked the city council to install crime prevention cameras in problem areas.
The hotspots included the Parklands Reserve, Parklands Community Centre and the Travis Wetlands walking trail car parks on Mairehau Rd.
But police say there is no indication reported crime has increased in the Parklands area.
Said Senior Sergeant Phil Newton: “We are aware of the concerns people have expressed on social media, but there is no evidence to suggest they’re more likely to experience crime in Parklands than they are in any other suburb.
“In terms of what is being reported, it is the same kind of volume crimes you would expect in any metro suburb. Statistically speaking, it is a safe community to live in.”
Newton said reported victimisation was down in the area over the past three years, compared to the three years prior.
“This could be for one or two reasons – either crime is on the decrease, or people aren’t reporting crime,” Newton said.
However, Donnell begged to differ.
He said police would not have stepped up their presence in the area recently if there was nothing to suggest the issue had worsened.
In the last three weeks, he said Parklands went from not seeing any police to sometimes observing “15 cop cars a day,” which has led to fewer incidents and “made people feel safer.”
Incidents allegedly included assault with knives, theft, car break-ins and selling drugs primarily involving 10, 12 and sometimes 18-year-olds, but Donnell did not rule out older offenders.
“If the cops don’t think there’s a problem, then they need to open their eyes and listen to the community,” said the Parklands resident.
“There wouldn’t be an outcry if there was nothing going on in the community. The community wouldn’t be organising a meeting with more than 150 people if there wasn’t a problem.”
A meeting is scheduled for next month where residents, schools, community groups, business owners, city council staff and police are expected to attend.
“I’ve been burgled, I’ve had my car broken into at the Fresh Choice car park and a lot of stuff was taken. It’s unacceptable and something needs to be done about it,” said Daniels.
But he agreed with police that the issues were not exclusive to Parklands.
“It’s not the only place where this happens. But it’s a perception thing, [the offending] is in your face because it’s in our place.”
Newton said Local Youth Aid and Community officers are engaging youth in the area who were alleged to have committed an offence and future community engagement was anticipated.
In the meantime, there were many simple messages the public could do to help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime.
“A message we would like to emphasise to the community is to please ensure your vehicle is locked and expensive items are not left in your car, or outside your property, in plain sight,” said Newton.
“Police would like to remind anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity to report it and remember the rules – if it’s happening now call 111 or if it’s historic, dial 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
•The community meeting will be held on April 8 from 7pm at the Pūkeko Centre, 30 Chadbury St.
