Crims know cop timetable

Criminals in Te Aroha know police schedules and work around them, police have admitted.

Residents turned out in force at a public meeting this week, keen to hear from Waikato police about what is being done to reduce crime in the ‘‘forgotten’’ eastern Waikato town. An outburst from the crowd, however, saying criminals knowing police whereabouts is contributing to a rise in crime and drugs in the township, took the conversation down a different path.

The gathering, at Silver Fern Farms Event Centre, drew more than 200 people, as well as Matamata-Piako Mayor Ash Tanner, Waikato MP Tim van de Molen, Coromandel MP Scott Simpson and various police officials.

Organised by Waikato police, the meeting’s aim was to let people know what’s going on in their community and to give people an opportunity to raise concerns about crime.

In the past Te Aroha residents have voiced their concerns about feeling like a ‘‘forgotten town’’ with a minimal police presence and residents experiencing slow police response times.

They also had concerns for the growing drug culture in the township.

In a presentation, slide statistics showed that from August 2019 to January 2020 crime reports in the eastern Waikato have risen from around 300 to more than 600.

Senior Sergeant Rod Carpinter said methamphetamine is driving crime in Te Aroha.

‘‘We know this town has been through a lot, five or six years ago, there was a significant operation here and a lot of work has been done, but unfortunately I think again we are seeing an increase in use and supply and I’m sure you’re well aware of that,’’ Carpinter said.

However, a resident from the crowd said the drug dealers can’t be controlled as they know where and when police are on duty, so they just work around them.

Acting Waikato District Commander Inspector Andrew Mortimore said police are aware criminals are working around their schedules, which is why it’s important locals report when they see that kind of behaviour.

‘‘There is no doubt criminals know what we are doing and organise their crime around us. All they have to do is listen in and they know where we are and what we are doing,’’ Mortimore said.

‘‘But we have a limited amount of police and can’t be everywhere, which is why we need you to help us out when you see suspicious behaviour.’’