Police must promote arson reward — council

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 7, 17 July 1984, Page 2

Police must promote arson reward — council

The following letter to the Commissioner of Police in Wellington from Mr Garrick Workman, Mayor of Raetihi, on behalf of his council, was in response to a letter | from the District Comman- | der of the Wanganui Police District, Superintendent , Brian Dean, in which Mr Dean applauded theTOuirclL and citizens of Raetihi but could offer no help in organising or publicising. a reward for the McCann fires. fI enclose a copy of a letter

received from the District Commander, Wanganui, Mr Brian Dean, regarding the views of the Police Department in respect of the administrative aspects and publicising of rewards, in this instance, the three thousand dollars pledged by concerned residents of Raetihi as a reward for information leading to the conviction of person or persons responsible for the McCann house fires. My Council is extremely disappointed and indeed

annoyed as am I, that in this instance the Police do not consider it appropriate that they should be so involved, as we are of the opinion that a far greater impact would be made if the Police were to publicise and administer this particular reward on our behalf. The McCann fires have horrifed this community, and the wider region, particularly as there does not appear to be any apparent motive or reason for them.

After witnessing first hand the aftermath of this crime, both in terms of the family and their home, I was gravely concerned that the attentions of this arsonist might well be diverted elsewhere. Ithereforedecided along with otherCouncillors and residents that this reward appeal should be launched and, in personally canvassing the town, a sum in excess of three thousand dollars was pledged that has since been guaranteed by a resolution of the Raetihi Borough Council. The percentage of crimes resolved in relation to the number committed in the Waimarino area is low in comparison with the average and it is certainly my belief that when a community is concerned enough to assist in this area by providing a reward it is deserving of something more than a pat •on the back. It would therefore Sir, be greatly appreciated if you would take these points into considerationand reconsider this decision.' Postscript Mr Garrick Workman, Mayor of Raetihi, phoned the Bulletin last Friday to say that he had heard from Wanganui District Police Commander, Superintendent Brian Dean, that the Police Commissioner in Wellington has now agreed to suppdrt and publicise the reward being offered for. information leading to the arrest and conviction of the McCann house arsonist.