Police ramping up presence in Christchurch CBD amid spike in violence, criticism over beat patrolsPosted by On


It’s a busy lunch hour in Christchurch’s central city business district, but no police in sight.

“Their building is just there right in the middle of the city and we don’t see beat police,” said Central City Business Association chair Annabel Turley.

They’re few and far between.

“I’m really, really disappointed. Last year when we met with the Prime Minister she said when MIQ ended we would see the return of the beat police,” Turley said.

In the past month there have been two serious assaults in the central city, both allegedly involving young offenders, the most recent just Sunday afternoon.

“Police presence needs to happen now. You look at the big cities, Melbourne, you see police presence right off the bat. Here you don’t see that,” Nevada Sport CEO David Steans said.

But that’s about to change.

“We have put in place extra patrols and that’s over Friday, Saturday night. That will be focussing on some of the key areas that have been identified by us,” said Canterbury Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd.

Now central city businesses are calling for help to make the city safer.

“We are paying out of pocket for private security guards or safety team, which we shouldn’t have to do because they are looking after the public realm,” Turley said.

It’s costing them $50,000 a quarter.

“Money will run out so we’re going to need investment from the Government sooner rather than later,” Steans said.

Christchurch City Council said it’s considering options.

“It’s really…

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