On duty at Te Aroha police station

‘‘Four full-time police officers are based at the station as well as a prevention officer who works between Te Aroha and Morrinsville.’’

Te Aroha residents can have faith that the police officers serving their community are committed to their safety, according to Eastern Waikato Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Andrea McBeth.

McBeth said it was important to clarify a few points from last week’s Piako Post article, which reported on concerns raised by Te Aroha residents fed up with crime in their town.

About 150 people attended a public meeting at Mountain View Church along with police officers and district councillors, to brainstorm proactive solutions to deal with the increase in crime in Te Aroha, particularly violent crime and deliberate damage to business premises and property.

McBeth said she wanted to make it clear the Te Aroha Police Station had not closed.

‘‘The article read like the Te Aroha station had shut its doors, this is incorrect,’’ McBeth said.

‘‘Four full-time police officers are based at the station as well as a prevention officer who works between Te Aroha and Morrinsville.’’ Eastern Waikato Prevention Manager

Morrinsville station also provided cover to Te Aroha when required.

When staff were not on duty at Te Aroha, the Paeroa Police Station also provided cover, ensuring a service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

‘‘The cover from Paeroa station enables police to be more responsive than in the past, when on-call staff would be called out to respond,’’ McBeth said.

‘‘While staff may not always be present at the Te Aroha Station, they are always out in the com- munity.’’

McBeth said in addition to regular patrolling in the town, nightshift staff were directed to areas of risk to conduct patrols and preventative action.

Te Aroha residents should call 111, if there is an emergency or they are witnessing concerning behaviour, she said.

If anyone wanted to report an incident which was not an emergency, the Te Aroha Police could be contacted on 884 8999. If your call is not immediately answered, it will be diverted to a Police Communications Centre.