What Do You Fancy For Christmas? - Operation Justice
New Zealand Police National News Release
9:23am 11 December 2008
Fancy a pie and water for Christmas? If you have an outstanding warrant now is the time to do something about it.
There are 80 police officers out on the road in Christchurch today targeting offenders with outstanding Warrants to
arrest.
"If you are part of the criminal community be very aware that police are actively pursuing active offenders and placing
them before the court," says District Commander Dave Cliff.
There are currently over 730 persons in the Canterbury District with active WTA's. These are largely failure to appear
and breach of court orders.
"Delays in the court system can affect victims and increase the trauma for them. When offenders breach their sentences
victims see them as not being punished properly," says Superintendent Cliff. "It is important for them to see justice
done."
Staff from all areas of Christchurch and DHQ staff is participating in today's big push but Christchurch Police have
been focussing on WTA offenders since the beginning of December. Already nearly 100 offenders have been apprehended.
"Today we are demonstrating to offenders how serious we are about holding them accountable as well as reducing crime by
keeping criminals off the streets," says Dave Cliff.
Additional Court and Probation staff and a Judge are working today supporting Police.
As at 9am
Numbers apprehended today as at 9am (began at 6am) is 20 with 17 voluntarily coming forward. It continues through the
day.
ends