Rodney Mayor Penny Webster says she has been reassured that Helensville and the surrounding area are resourced adequately by Police and is not subject to a crime wave.
Mrs Webster met late, last week with Rodney Area Commander Inspector Keith Brady to seek his assurance on behalf of the Helensville community; following recent media coverage alleging the town is currently being hampered by a crime wave and not policed adequately.
“The news item profiled one business owner who had been an unfortunate victim of a number of burglaries,” she explained. “However, Inspector Brady assured me that Police are providing the necessary assistance and advice to the affected business owner to help reduce the risk of his premises being subjected to further burglaries.”
Police also explained at the meeting that three recent robberies in Helensville did not reflect a growing trend of offending for the community.
“Inspector Brady told me that Police are following strong lines of enquiry to identify the offenders responsible and have put on additional patrols in Helensville to address the immediate offending and reduce further offending.”
Mayor Webster said she was reassured that by the Area Commander that Helensville and its surrounding communities have been resourced with sufficient Police to meet the demand for service.
He also pointed out that Police work with the local business community, schools, Community Patrols and the Helensville Safer Community Workgroup to address local issues and to ensure a safe community for Helensville residents.
“As a community, we must do our part as well,” Mrs Webster added. “Locals need to be ever vigilant about security such as locking doors etc and they should always report any suspicious behaviour to police.”
Locals who do have information about criminal offending in the community can either contact the Helensville Police Station directly on (09) 420 9123; or call anonymously to the Crimestoppers information line – Phone 0800 555 111.