Joint approach to summer safety in Coromandel

Police and Council to work together to keep northern Coromandel safe

A joint approach between the New Zealand Police, Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and other emergency services this summer will make the Northern Coromandel a safer place for holiday makers and locals alike.

Mercury Bay Community Board Chair Alison Henry says 50 police officers will be stationed in Mercury Bay over the peak summer period. "This is the greatest number we have ever had," she said.

"We have been working with the Police for several years and it is pleasing to be able to tell smaller communities like Matarangi and Hahei that additional police have been placed in these areas. Our coastal communities experience huge growth over the summer when our non-resident ratepayers return to enjoy the beach for their summer break. It is always disappointing when just a few ignore the rules and make it unpleasant for the rest. Extra police will provide a welcome deterrent to destructive behaviour."

NZ Police, Officer In Charge, Senior Sergeant Graham Shields. "The increase in numbers reflects the popularity of the area and the need to cater for specific events such as the New Years Eve concert at Whitianga," he said.

"The object of the joint approach is to prevent tragedies before they occur. That means getting drunks and speeders off the roads and using the liquor ban and licensing laws to prevent alcohol related harm."

"I'm confident that we can make the Coromandel a safe place to be this summer if everyone does their part. You still have to take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those around you. No matter how much effort the authorities put in, things can still go wrong if people ignore the basic rules of road and water safety or drink too much and put themselves at risk. Young children and teenagers are particularly at risk when alcohol and cars are combined."

The message to all is:

* If you are going out, plan to have a sober driver. * Coromandel roads will be busy so be patient, slow down and if you are towing a trailer or holding up traffic, pull over to let others pass. * Wear your cycle helmet * There are 24 hour liquor bans in every urban area. If you breach the liquor ban, expect to be arrested. * Secure things like dive gear, bicycles and fishing rods, opportunist thieves love to find that kind of stuff lying around * If you see something suspicious, note down details like registration numbers and descriptions and call the Police straight away.

* Think about how much alcohol you are drinking. Every year people end up in hospital or in the cells because they didn't know when to stop. * Parents, set some ground rules to keep your kids safe. Give them a sensible curfew and take the time to find out what they are doing

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