Guardians warn car owners to lock up
Porirua Community Guardians coordinator Terry Ryan has noticed cars being left unlocked at the Porirua Railway Station southern car park and has raised concerns with police.
Sergeant Dean Silvester of Waitangirua Police said it was good to have the guardians to draw attention to the problem.
‘‘From a crime prevention perspective, it is really important that people minimise risk to themselves by remembering to lock their cars and keep valuables with them. Don’t give criminals opportunity.
‘‘We have observed numerous incidents of inconsiderate parking habits,’’ he said. ‘‘Drivers parallel parking in front and behind cars that have been angle parked and vehicles taking up enough space for two cars.’’
The guardians, who patrol the car park twice a day, have noted other problems.
They said there were several large dips in the tarmac that are full of water after recent high rainfall.
Water levels are especially bad after the recent storm, but Mr Ryan said the puddles were always there.
‘‘It is hard for daily travellers to get out of their cars without getting their feet wet. The large puddles restrict the number of spaces, but there has to be some responsibility on travellers, too.’’
The car park land is owned by the NZ Transport Agency and will shortly become the property of the Wellington Regional Council.
Regional council spokeswoman Philippa Lagan said that since that southern section of land had been used for informal car parking, the regional council had mended various potholes.
‘‘ Major earthworks are needed to change the shape of the land and prevent deterioration. The regional council will carry out major development work when we get ownership of that land,’’ she said.
The Porirua Guardians, formed in 2003, are a volunteer group who work with the council, police and other agencies to make the community a better place.
They are easily spotted in their distinctive bright green uniforms.