Tauranga Police are investigating a video showing a group of young people fighting and verbally abusing a motorist in the carpark of Bayfair Shopping Centre.
Two videos, uploaded online and on Facebook, show a group of more than 20 youths outside the centre where a number are sparring with each other.
Video footage of the fight posted online.
Towards the end of the short clip, the attention is turned on a motorist who is verbally abused as they attempt to leave the car park.
Western Bay of Plenty Police Area Commander, Inspector Clifford Paxton, says police are aware of the video and are working to identify the people involved.
'From time to time we have experienced singular issues with youth who have trespassed [at Bayfair], and on occasions singular issues of anti-social behaviour,” says Clifford.
'This is the first significant occasion that I am aware of where there have been multiple people involved.”
While the video seemed to have a lot of people taking part, a closer looks shows two or three principle people involved.
'That video has now been forwarded for investigation and further inquiries are being made and we will obviously follow that up,” says Clifford.
'I've got a copy of the video, but obviously there will be further inquiries being made in relation to that area.”
Significant work has been down with police, Bayfair management and security previously says Clifford and police regularly patrol the area.
Bayfair management is aware of the video and told SunLive they are currently preparing a statement on the incident.
14 comments
Ferals
Posted on 26-02-2014 15:45 | By WSTAKL
All the police need to do is take a trip to Arataki and they will find these scumbags.
Whatever
Posted on 26-02-2014 15:49 | By maildrop
I reported some youths who were causing a nuisance and kicked in a fence on my street. I gave the cops the details of the person and house who were friends of the offenders thinking a few enquiries would lead them to the person who caused the criminal damage. Nah - cops not bothered, too much work involved. No doubt they will be back kicking another fence in soon or maybe somebody's head next time? The only time the cops are interested is when it appears in media and they have to be seen to be doing something. Rest of the time it's a fob off if you report anything. Too busy blitzing cyclists because 1. it's quick and easy and 2. it raises cash. Joke policing. If the Community Constable at the Mount reads this ring me and tell me what you did with my report.
annoyed
Posted on 26-02-2014 16:47 | By hardtostayinthebay
as a local i often go to Bayfair this is not a rare occurrence i have personal seen this ALOT at Bayfair its disgusting behaviour and something needs to be done about this, The security guards can do nothing but watch and and wait for police to show up which is always after everyone has left, The kids Hanging around Bayfair on a daily basis is a problem and something should be done to get them to move on i myself have felt unsafe entering Bayfair on many occasions due to the large amount of youths outside its a bad look for us a Place, its obviously the "new spot to meet up and fight, fix this problem before its out of hand!!
This
Posted on 26-02-2014 18:34 | By Capt_Kaveman
is a major problem at bayfair and needs to be addressed and goes on nearly everyday
fighting
Posted on 26-02-2014 21:05 | By sangrae
Just like at the bus terminal by art gallery.There needs to be more policing and not relying on NZ Police all the time perhaps the parking wardens could be used or maybe the truancy officers could co ordinate something?
Security at Bayfair
Posted on 26-02-2014 21:05 | By MEB
I was at Bayfair 3 weekends ago and had parked at Owens place. When the time came to go back to my car via the underground tunnel there were about 20 youths hanging around the entrance, I did not feel safe and put myself at risk by crossing the road above. These gangs of youths make people feel unsafe and vulnerable, Bayfair Security should be on to them immediately and disburse them.
Unsafe
Posted on 26-02-2014 21:18 | By MEB
Shopping at Bayfair 3 weekends ago I could not safely return to my car because of the 20 or so youths hanging around the underground back to Owens Place, I put myself at risk seeing no other way back to my car than crossing the very busy road above. I will not shop at Bayfair if this is going to continue - security need to have more authority and not wait for Police.
SECURITY
Posted on 27-02-2014 13:45 | By Colleen Spiro
Do not Bayfair have security guards...they used to....
Overit
Posted on 27-02-2014 14:25 | By overit
This sparring behaviour is what a certain element call fun. Its filmed and posted on the Internet. It is distressing for others. Warriors? I think not.
Rastus
Posted on 27-02-2014 15:08 | By rastus
Of course if anyone were to identify the ethnicity of these offenders then one would be called racist.
Attacked
Posted on 28-02-2014 10:32 | By auntem
Walking through the underpass about 3 weeks ago I politely asked some teenage girls to let my teenage daughter and I pass. We were barraged with abuse etc, I then asked if they had nothing better to do than intimidate people etc we walked away and they then chased us and threatened my teenage daughter. To protect my daughter I was spat at kicked and punched by one of them. if they can do that to a mother and daughter what will they do to other children. Disgusting behavior. I never reported to the police as I thought they wouldn't do anything and I feared reprisals on my daughter who has to board the bus there etc by herself. The bus stop seems to be a favourite hangout for these people as well as the underpass. Something needs to be done before somebody gets seriously hurt.
Oh Rastus, there you go again!
Posted on 28-02-2014 12:27 | By mykgold102
Poor Rastus, It is quite sad that you don't understand the fact that by concerning yourself with identifying the "ethnicity" of these offenders you have already done the work for everyone. Besides, anyone who has seen any of your post is already well aware of this.
Bayfair Shopping Centre management team
Posted on 28-02-2014 14:06 | By Laura Burns
Hi all, we value all of your feedback and would like to reassure our community that Bayfair is taking action against this community issue. Bayfair has increased security presence during busy times and our guards have been provided with a mandate from local police to move groups on from areas including those not on centre property, such as the underpass. The role of the security team is to monitor, report and control unfavourable or unsafe situations. Ensuring the centre is a safe and enjoyable destination for locals to visit is our main priority. Please see this SunLive article for further details on the measures Bayfair is undertaking: http://sunlive.co.nz/news/65510-action-over-bayfair-fight-video.html
Getting over it
Posted on 02-03-2014 19:09 | By Patsy
Several times I have used the underpass recently and have been blocked by groups of both female and male youths. They sat across the steps so I step inbetween them and had something thrown at me and called white trash but I guess that's not racists but if I did they same I would be called a racist. These little scumbags need to be moved on. I would be concerned for the elderly residents that use the under path. I guess it will take someone getting a beating before real action is taken. Cameras are worthless as by the time security got there too late the damage is done and quite honestly some of the security people at Bayfair would run a mile.
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