POLICE are cracking down strongly on anti-social behaviour in Wellington. Town councillors were told at Monday’s monthly meeting that a ‘dedicated team was in place’ to deal with such incidents, writes Barry Knott.

They also learned that the newly refurbished Co-op in Fore Street had been the target of ‘a lot of shoplifting with most of the suspects identified and prosecuted due to the high quality CCTV.’

Town clerk Greg Dyke said: “The town council had previously expressed concern regarding the perception that at times there were no police officers available in the town for response issues. Concern had also been expressed following a spate of anti-social behaviour throughout the area.

“As a result, the police senior management structure, led by Chief Inspector Lisa Simpson and Inspector Shane Carey, were present at Monday’s council meeting to give councillors an assurance that a dedicated team was in place to deal with and respond to any incidents. Chief Inspector Simpson made the point that criminality was not just on the street and was constantly changing with the growth of internet crime.

“However, she recognised the value of community policing and said that everything would be done to assess all situations, maintain a consistent approach and make residents feel safe and confident.

“Local beat manager Hayden Smith was able to report on the specific action that the police had taken in relation to recent anti-social behaviour. Eight youths had been issued with anti-social behaviour letters and one was to go on an Anti-Social Behaviour contract."

for the full story, see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.