Push for 24-hour policing reignited
WELLINGTON’S lawless reputation has been reinforced by a spate of break-ins into cars and homes, prompting a group of itinerant workers to back calls for a 24-hour police station. Locals have pushed for round the clock policing for many years, but their needs have not yet been met.
Wellington solar farm worker Nanda Henny said they no longer feel safe in the town after dozens of burglaries in a matter of weeks.
“Lately there have been heaps of houses broken into,” she said. “It’s become really bad and is getting worse and worse.’
According to Miss Henny, breakins are happening at all times of the day and night, prompting concerns for safety.
“Lately, it’s happening a few times a day,” she said. “And it’s happening to everyone here. It’s not safe here anymore.”
As a backpacker from Holland, Miss Henny has only lived in Wellington since the end of February.
“I’ve spoken to a few locals and it’s been happening for a long time. They are trying to get a 24hour police station.they want to get more police as well. We know it doesn’t only happen to us. But we as backpackers want to make it a safe place for everyone.”
Last week, up to 50 temporary residents descended on the police station in Maughan St to protest their concerns.
“They said they only had two people on duty in the morning and afternoon and they can’t leave the station then. It felt like they didn’t really care.”
Miss Henny believes the issue is getting out of control. She hopes to make a change for the community’s benefit.
“Before I came to Wellington, I knew stuff was happening because I knew people here already. But lately it’s becoming worse and worse. I don’t think anyone feels safe.
“Maybe because we are outsiders, we can make a difference. I feel really bad for the locals because I think they have tried as well.
“I don’t know who is going to listen but we want to make a difference for everyone.”