Waiouru firms get tough on crime

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 503, 14 September 1993, Page 1

Waiouru firms get tough on crime

BY

Jenelle

Frewen

The Waiouru business community was out in force last Wednesday evening to become involved in the new business support network, set up under Police initiatives. Two Police officers from Wanganui as well as the local fire-master, Mr John Sparks, were at the meeting to provide safety and crime

prevention information. The initiative is being set up as part of the police 's nationwide five-year plan for crime prevention. Constable Chris Scales of Waiouru emphasised the impor tance o f ' ne tworking ' amongst local business to prevent crime. "Everyone has been a victim of some sort of crime but in most cases we've

been able to get the offenders," he said. The hope then is to stop such crime from occurring in the first place. Snr Constable Harry Reid, a crime prevention officer from Wanganui suggested several measures which can be adopted by businesses including serving trespass notices, asking suspicious customers to leave the premises and in-

stalling security devices. Reputation is also important. "If you have a reputation for being tough, offenders will be reluctant to attempt a crime on your premises," he said. Transients were identified as being the biggest worry in Waiouru, with shoplifting and cheque fraud the likely crimes. Snr

Constable Reid encouraged the business people to take down descriptions and "go with their instincts" in identifying potential criminals. Another aspect of the meeting saw the initial setting up of a business watch. Based on the three main business areas in Waiouru, co-ordinators Turn toPase2

Waiouru crime

From page 1 will take responsibility for maintaining communication links and ensuring the security of all the businesses in their area. Such a collective approach has other advantages. In cases of emergency such as a fire all the businesses in that area

can be contacted quickly and easily. Mr Sparks also addressed the group and spoke of the attempts currently underway to have automatic fire alarms (which are connected directly to the Fire Station) installed in the local businesses throughout Waiouru.