Curfew has worked, says CO

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 421, 28 January 1992, Page 5

Curfew has worked, says CO

Thc curfew that was imposed for Waiouru under-16-year-old residents last July will not be lifted at this stage. The curfew was introduced by Waiouru's

Commander, colonel Clive Sinclair, to help control petty crime occurring after 10 pm in the housing area and in Waiouru Camp. Colonel Sinclair said

one of the reasons the curfew was imposed was to help make some parents responsible for their children and their actions. He said he has been

pleased with the results of the curfew, with few crime incidents reported over the last six months and, based on police advice, has contained the curfew over the school

holidays and Christmas period. Constable Pat Tasker, Waiouru's policeman, said, "Over the Christmas period, petty crime usually increases. This year has been an exception, and the holiday period has been quiet. This is partly due to the curfew with young people staying at home in the evenings, and also due to the transient nature of Waiouru. Some families have left the area which has broken up certain friendships among the adolescents who had the potential for trouble."

Pat Tasker said five offenders have been dealt with under the Young Persons and Families Act for three offences in Waiouru over Christmas. He said Waiouru residents are generally more conscious and take precautionary measures to

secure their houses. "It still amazes me the number of people who leave their doors unlocked. There is a large population that passes through Waiouru every day. We should always think nothing is safe, but for some reason people in Waiouru get a false sense of security."