Coast is clear

I recently returned from a week’s holiday on the Sunshine Coast. I was very impressed by the level of policing evident.

Police stations are clearly marked on tourist maps. There seem to be plenty, all with easily recognisable signage. The ” Beat Bus”, for police on the beat was parked in the main street of Buderim while the opening of a new $8 million police station in Nambour was given positive media coverage. At public amenities (toilets, playgrounds etc) there are signs with a phone number to call if “there is graffiti, vandalism or anti-social behaviour”. It appears police take a firm line on all crime, even so-called petty crime. Also, because of Queensland’s refund legislation on glass and plastic bottles, there is very little litter. The police are respected in the lawabiding community and people know any attack on the police will be dealt with very severely in the courts. This makes me wonder how we have got it all so wrong in dear old NZ.

Stephen Alpe, Birkenhead.