Police called to Thames W&I office
‘‘Over the last couple of years people have been raising . . . concerns about public safety and feeling safe.’’
homelessness had become worse in the central city over the past two years.
Turner said the business community was ‘‘delighted’’ the council was taking a lead role in addressing the problem and believed the proposed bylaw would be an effective tool.
‘‘I think the council has come up with a plan that is very balanced; it’s firm but fair. It doesn’t chase away people who may have issues but tries to help them.’’ Security is being beefed up at Work and Income offices nationwide after more threats following Ashburton’s deadly shooting – with police warning they will ‘‘come down hard’’ on copy-cat threatmakers.
A verbal conflict at the Thames Work and Income office, where the triple shooting in Ashburton was allegedly mentioned, led to a stern warning from Waikato police.
‘‘A disgruntled customer allegedly made insulting remarks with reference to Monday’s events in Ashburton,’’ Acting Senior Sergeant Martyn Hughes, of the Thames police detachment, said.
Police were called to the Community Link Office in Pollen St shortly after 10.30am yesterday.
A 22-year-old man was arrested and appeared in the Thames District Court on a charge of using insulting language in a public place.
Hughes said he hoped the charge would reassure the community that police took all such incidents seriously.
‘‘People cannot and should not be able to threaten or insult others without consequence and our top priority is to ensure the safety of all members of the public.’’
A security guard was stationed outside the office following the incident.
The Rotorua and Canterbury Work and Income offices were closed yesterday after abusive and threatening calls.
Security is being beefed up at Work and Income offices nationwide.
Ministry of Social Development chief executive Brendan Boyle said 100 security guards were being deployed at Work and Income offices around the country following the threats in the aftermath of the murder of two Ashburton Work and Income staff.
The measures are in place to protect and reassure staff and clients, Boyle said. ‘‘This will not be tolerated.’’ However, the guards will not be searching people who enter the offices for weapons at this stage, he confirmed.
Deputy police commissioner Viv Rickard said the police presence around Work and Income offices in Christchurch would also be increased.
Police were taking action on every threat, including shutting down sites, until they were confident staff were safe, Boyle and Rickard said in a joint statement yesterday.
MSD was referring every threat to police formally and the agencies would continue to work closely together, they said.
Additionally to earlier alleged threats made against Christchurch and Blenheim offices, an office window had been broken in Nelson.
There had also been an incident in Mt Maunganui, Rickard said.