Tuesday, 7 June 2022

Red zone security patrols return after spike in rubbish dumping, vandalism, theft

    1. Canterbury
    2. Christchurch

    Security patrols returned to the residential red zone on Sunday in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.

    Christchurch City Council security contractor, Allied Security, is patrolling the 602ha area.

    Management of the red zone was transferred from Land and Information New Zealand to Christchurch City Council in June last year.

    Residential red zone manager Dave Little said when the city council took over, it had a greater presence with maintenance staff and park rangers.

    Working with the community, at the time they noticed a visible reduction in dumping, vandalism and theft and felt the cost of the security patrols wasn't warranted.

    However, Little said anti-social behaviour had increased this year.

    "Vandalism, theft and illegal dumping have become big problems" so the patrols were reinstated.

    Data on anti-social behaviour hotspots will be collected to help determine the security patrol routes.

    - By Geoff Sloan
    - Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

    Local trusted journalism matters - now more than ever

    As the Covid-19 pandemic brings the world into uncharted waters, Star Media journalists and photographers continue to report local stories that matter everyday - yours.

    For more than 152 years our journalists have provided Cantabrians with local news that can be trusted. It’s more important now than ever to keep Cantabrians connected.

    As our advertising has fallen during the pandemic, support from you our reader is crucial.

    You can help us continue to provide local news you can trust simply by becoming a supporter.

    Become a Supporter