More anti-ramraid measures called for

The attempted ramraid of an Island Bay liquor store earlier this week has seen renewed calls for Wellington City Council to install bollards outside stores, but this can create barriers for footpath users with disabilities.

Chetan Rattan, whose Thirsty Liquor store on The Parade was targeted early Wednesday morning, said he first approached the council about installing bollards following a ramraid in July.

He said there was ‘‘definite need’’ for anti-ramraid measures to be put in place.

‘‘It does impact on me mentally and financially, after suffering three hits in four months.’’

Rattan earlier said he had mailed the Wellington City Council about five times asking for permission to install bollards in front of his shop.

He was meeting with council staff today to discuss additional security options and was having a roller door installed.

Youth offending and targeting of stores like his was frustrating and the fatal stabbing of an Auckland dairy worker on Wednesday night was weighing on his mind.

‘‘There are going to be safety measures in place and customers have to accept this. This is a need for the safety of the businesses and the staff.’’

Wellington City Council spokesperson Richard MacLean said staff had been looking at deterrence measures for the Island Bay village in recent weeks.

‘‘Unfortunately the situation is complex as we need to consider all users of the footpath, particularly those with low vision or other accessibility needs, as well as other practical measures such as whether or not underground services would need to be moved if bollards were installed.’’

The council had spoken with Rattan and apologised for not properly communicating with him over his concerns.

In Auckland, one of the worsthit cities, the council has created a process for shop owners and landlords to apply to install bollards.

‘‘This process ensures that the bollards take into account pedestrian use of the footpath and ensures they don’t affect underground services,’’ said Auckland Transport head of community engagement Caroline Tauevihi

‘‘Our first preference and what we encourage business owners to do is to look at other alternatives like weighted planter boxes, rollerdoors, and smash screen glass.’’

The council was looking at different types of technology which could withstand high impact from vehicles due to demand for alternatives.

While bollards weren’t suited to every situation, Tauevihi encouraged businesses to contact them.

Blind Citizens of New Zealand president Dr Jonathan Godfrey acknowledged something needed to be done but said the solution shouldn’t disenfranchise footpath users.

He said footpaths were already ‘‘overloaded’’ with things like scooters, sandwich boards, and cafe seating. Bollards would create just one more obstacle.

‘‘Just inserting bollards into the middle of the footpath ... is not smart enough.’’

‘‘Just inserting bollards into the middle of the footpath . . . is not smart enough.’’

Dr Jonathan Godfrey Blind Citizens of NZ president