248 days ago

CCTV Article

Shelley Smithies from Howick Botany Neighbourhood Support

Please find the latest article from Brett Meale (NEW ZEALAND POLICE Community Services Supervisor) attached for your information.

The Value of CCTV


Whilst there are differing views on the use of CCTV cameras, they have become an essential tool in supporting the policing of our community. They act as both a deterrent to criminal activity and are also a vital resource during investigations.
The presence of CCTV cameras can prevent crime before it happens. Criminals are less likely to target an area if they are aware that they are being watched. Whether the cameras are in a shop, public place, or around residential properties, they are an extra set of eyes working towards discouraging criminal behaviour.
Likewise, when crimes do occur, CCTV footage is an essential resource for investigators as they enable suspects to be identified, provide a clear picture of the events that have occurred and is crucial evidence to be presented in court if needed.
A recent local example of how CCTV evidence contributes towards the solving of offences, includes a spate of thefts from local retail businesses, where CCTV footage of the offending was supplied to Police. The offender was subsequently identified and linked to numerous offences through the footage and is now before the courts facing 30 charges of theft.
Another was a recent break in of a vehicle in a public carpark in Howick, where the Business Association CCTV cameras captured the offending where items of a significant value were stolen. Further analysis of other Business Association cameras identified the registration of the offender’s vehicle, with the offender subsequently being identified from that footage. They are now before the courts charged with theft.
There are many other examples as well, so if you are looking to protect your property, I would encourage any businesses or local homeowners to consider installing CCTV as part of their security measures.

Sergeant Brett Meale

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5 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
1631 votes
8 days ago

Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.

But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.

So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?

If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.

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16 hours ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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