From Wednesday 10 February, Police will be offering a new service at the Karori Community Centre.

'Between 10am and 1pm each Wednesday, Police will be on site at the community centre to meet with the residents of Karori”, says Wellington City Area Commander, Inspector Chris Bensemann.

'Over the years, fewer and fewer people have been using the office located up in Marsden Village. The community told us that they wanted to see more of a Police presence on the street and less time sitting behind a desk, so for that reason, we will no longer be based in the office, but will be available at the kiosk.

'The new kiosk means we are located in the heart of Karori and can take policing to the people of Karori, rather than expecting them to come to us,” says Mr Bensemann.

'This is consistent with Police's objectives of providing a service that is ‘more street than station', which means our staff being more visible out in the community, rather than being stuck in an office.

Advances in mobile technology have also freed up our staff to provide a more responsive service.”

A community team comprising one sergeant and four constables will take turns manning the new kiosk.

'While the change is about making us more readily accessible than before, our service isn't just confined to the kiosk.

We will still be maintaining a visible presence in the community at other times, while services such as the Crime Reporting Line allows people to give us information over the phone about crime in their community, so they don't necessarily need to leave their home or take time off from work to come and see us.

'In Wellington city and its suburbs, including Karori, that line is (04) 381 2000 – but of course in an emergency, people should still always call 111 and we will respond as quickly as we can,” Mr Bensemann says.

The former Marsden Village office is not owned by Police and the lease will end shortly.

'I would like to especially thank to the community volunteers who gave up so much of their time to provide services at the Marsden Village office. Their contribution to helping people in the community to be safe and feel safe is truly appreciated.”

A well-established Neighbourhood Support Group and Community Patrol in Karori will continue their work in the area. Anyone who is interested in joining one of the two groups, or would like further information, can contact the Johnsonville Community Policing Centre on (04) 381 2000.

Source: New Zealand Police.