Raetihi constable talks on crime

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 1, 3 June 1986, Page 1

Raetihi constable talks on crime

A public meeting to look at ways of overcoming petty crime in Raetihi was suggested by Constable Trevor Pullen when he spoke to Raetihi Borough councillors last week. He was speaking to the council meeting about Neighbourhood Support and Neighbourhood Watch Groups which were proving successful in cities. He said that these groups were of less relevance in rural areas because the conditions they set out to correct, such as neighbours not knowing each other, were not present in the country. "Many country people are related, know their neighbours well and know about what is going on," he said. Constable Pullen said that in Raetihi about 80 per cent of arrests were for offences committed under the influence of alcohol and/ or drugs. Most burglaries took place between 11pm and 2am and were often not planned but were spur-of-the-moment efforts after hotels closed. He also said that most offenders were aged between 15 and 25 and he was concerned about the amount of alcohol and cannabis available to young people. Family It was important people realised that crime was a community problem. Family and friends often knew of offenders but did nothing about it. "The Police are just the medium for the community to act against those who offend against society's rules," he said. In the end it was the community which had to act and assist the Police. "Often there is no real family concern in this area which saddens me." The Mayor, Garrick Workman, commented that with the very wide district for which Constable Pullen was responsible it was unfortunate that there was only one policeman. "This must be the busiest one-man station in the country. It is ridiculous that it should continue," he said. The Mayor said he would continue to push for the reinstatement of a second constable in Raetihi. Council decided to take the initiative and call a public meeting to discuss ways of counteracting offences by young people.