Police call central city ’safe’

Increased presence by central police and security firms is decreasing the amount of alcohol-related violence in the city.

Auckland City and  the police are trying to work with nightclub owners to promote healthier drinking.

Inspector Andrew Coster, area commander for Auckland city central police, believes large numbers of visitors and alcohol abuse account for the majority of crime in Auckland city on weekends.

“There is no doubt alcohol is the single most significant driver for violence and crime in the city.

“On a Friday and Saturday night the population dramatically increases,” he says.

Police and the council are working together to increase the amount of personnel on the street.

“We have cars dispatched from the central station in response to 111 calls and there are also staff that beat a specific area on foot.

“The high visibility aspect and an increased presence on the street deters a lot of people.”

Auckland city safety advisor Betty MacLaren believes the city is indeed getting safer.

“Seventy nine per cent of people have said they feel safe in the CBD during the night.

“Maori wardens and other security firms are working alongside the police to make the CBD safer at night.”

But MacLaren says that drinking is still a major problem in the city.

“The major issues in the city are drinking and disorderly behavior. There are crime hot spots due to poor practice with alcohol and we’re trying to talk to publicans and nightclub owners about management standards.

“We don’t like all-night happy hours and $4 tequila flagons.”

City resident Jenha White doesn’t think the city is safe despite police and council efforts.

“The claim that 79 per cent of people feel safe is so far from the truth it is ridiculous.

“You always hear about people being attacked. I’ve been attacked at night and a friend of mine was chased by a homeless man.”

Statistics released by the New Zealand Police show an increase of 157 reported violent crimes in the central city between the fiscal year 2006/2007 and 2007/2008.

Auckland central has more than 1700 licensed establishments.