Southland Retail Crime Prevention Showcased Around NZ

Trust and confidence in local police is rating the second highest across the country, according to Southland Area Commander Mike Bowman.

Speaking to the Invercargill City Council last week, Inspector Bowman told councillors the new targets set by New Zealand Police had the south tracking at 74% - with the aim for each area to reach 80% by the start of 2028.

More than 30 new police staff have also been recruited in the south in recent times, “which gives us the capacity to do some really positive stuff.”

He said the continual focus on retail crime prevention across the city was positive “and now Southland is the showcase around the country.”

A recent public forum received positive feedback, with some good resolutions with both retailers and council.

He said Southern police have some good processes in place around major events such as the Burt Munro weekend, where they use other resources from around the South Island.

Insp Bowman noted the financial pressures in the community are having an impact on crime, and gangs are also a major focus - highlighting recent success in Mataura.

“But they will start feeding out into the community and we don’t want them to get a foothold,” he said.

Methamphetamine use in Southland is currently the highest in the Southern district, while cocaine is the highest in Queenstown Lakes and MDMA in Coastal Otago.

“We will continue to target high end suppliers,” he said.

Other challenges for Southern police was prioritising workload, “we can’t be everything to everyone,” adding that other agencies needed to stand up and play their part as well.

“We are in a really good space, with a whole lot of new staff, which also brings its challenges, but in 12 months time they will be more confident in their work.”