Importance of reporting incidents to police to be stressed

A TOWN meeting in Mataura on Monday will stress to local people the need to report all incidents to police.

It comes after youths in the town had been stealing and taunting shopkeepers, leading to the decision to close the Mataura Library and Service Centre early at 2.30pm every day in late March.

Mataura ward councillor Neville Phillips said it was important for the community to understand what the police could do and how they could help.

‘‘They can’t do anything unless it is reported . . . . we’re going to emphasise to the public that things must be statistically proven by the police before they start acting on things,’’ Mr Phillips said.

The meeting would also aim to let the community know the number to call to report incidents and how reports contributed to police statistics, he said.

People were happy with how the situation had been handled to this stage, he said.

‘‘It’s been a good outcome. It’s been really good working with everyone to sort out the problems. Everyone’s done a good job. Youth had been spending time at ‘‘The Bunker’’, the old Mataura town hall, he said.

An alternative building was being organised for them at the moment, he said.

Gore District Council libraries manager Emma Sherie said the reduced hours at the library had a noticeable effect and activities had continued there .

‘‘During the school holidays, we provided extra staffing and activities to encourage youth to use the space in a positive and inclusive way, and this has been successful.’’

Mr Phillips had been impressed by work police had done recently.

Antisocial behaviour had ‘‘settled down’’, he said.

‘‘Things have been pretty quiet at the moment.

‘‘It’s a good workinprogress so far.’’

The community was happy with how the situation had been handled to this stage, he said.

‘‘It’s been a good outcome. It’s been really good working with everyone to sort out the problems. Everyone’s done a good job. The reduced hours at the centre would continue as health and safety plans were worked through, she said.

‘‘Our priority is to ensure our solecharge staff member in Mataura feels comfortable and supported.’’

A police spokesman said the police could only act on information they received.

‘‘We urge the public to report any incidents of concern.

‘‘You can contact us on 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact,’’ they said.

The meeting will be held at the Mataura Community Centre at 5.30pm.