Retailers, police team up on crime
For the past 18 months, police in Invercargill, particularly the prevention team, have been visiting retailers in order to strengthen relationships and offer advice.
Invercargill Licensing Trust chief executive Chris Ramsay said there had been a "noticeable increase" in antisocial behaviour in the past 12 months which had negatively impacted the trust's staff and customers.
Incidents ranged from "intimidatory behaviour to one particularly bad incident resulting in one of our managers being assaulted".
The police were doing an excellent job but they could not be everywhere, he said.
More than a-third of respondents in the Southland Business Confidence Survey said their businesses were being impacted by a rise in social and operating pressures.
In May's quarterly survey, organised by the Southland Business Chamber, 38% of businesses reported impacts from crime or antisocial behaviour throughout the past year, up 7% from the February survey.
Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said this was the first year a question had been included about crime or antisocial behaviour on businesses.
Southland area commander Inspector Mike Bowman said staff had received a lot of positive feedback from business owners regarding the ongoing operation with retailers.
"We continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure a safer community for everyone."
Police advised retailers to report incidents.
While there had been an initial increase in reported incidents, this was expected as business owners had increased knowledge of how to report them.
"Police have been able to apprehend a number of prolific offenders in the area and have held them to account through prosecution.
"In some cases, we have also looked at alternative resolution opportunities."
There had been an increase in police presence in areas likely to be targeted by offenders, he said.
Part of the focus was on staff safety and business owners had been offered advice about the layout of the store and positioning of in-store cameras to help prevent and detect shoplifting.
Invercargill Central manager Kelvin Mooney said proactive measures had prevented a notable increase in incidents.
"While the issues we do face are largely driven by a small number of individuals, they are quickly identified and addressed by our team and police, if required."
Invercargill faced similar issues to many central business districts throughout the country.
"Our close partnership with police has delivered positive results both for the centre and the wider Esk St precinct."
Mr Ramsay said there had been a noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour in the past 12 months which had negatively impact the trust's staff and customers.
"Whilst the police have been excellent, they can't be patrolling the area every minute of every day, which is almost what is now required given the frequency of issues."
He believed if the area was tidied up that would help.
"Fenced off areas and poorly lit containers with leaves, rubbish and weeds growing out of them are a magnet for antisocial behaviour, creating a CBD that feels more like the slums than one that has had over a quarter of a billion dollars invested in it in the last few years."
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