Helping you prevent crime

• By Sergeant Carl Alexander

Kia Ora, I would like to introduce you to the Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Unit.

We are a team of five police officers who are dedicated to preventing crime before it starts.
We are based out of Papakura Police Station and operate across the Franklin community.

We strive to have a visible and proactive presence in the community – addressing issues early, deterring offending, and building trust with the public.

Rather than waiting for incidents to occur, we take a hands-on approach to community safety.

Officers carry out regular bail checks to ensure those on conditions are abiding by them. This not only enforces the law but also reassures victims and the wider community that breaches will be dealt with swiftly.

High-visibility patrols are a core part of our work. By being seen in neighbourhoods, shopping areas, and other public spaces, we aim to send a clear message that crime will not go unnoticed.

These patrols also create opportunities for positive engagement with residents and businesses, strengthening community ties. If you see us out and about, give us a wave.

As a team, we conduct vehicle stops in areas known to be impacted by crime. These stops can uncover stolen goods, illegal items, or unsafe driving, in an effort to prevent any offending before it escalates.

Prevention advice for residents

While the Area Prevention Unit works hard to keep the community safe, everyone has a role to play in crime prevention:

• Lock up – secure doors, windows, sheds, and garages, even when you’re home.
• Hide valuables – keep items out of sight in vehicles and around your property.
• Light it up – install good exterior lighting to prevent offending.
• Stay connected – get to know your neighbours and look out for each other.
• Report concerns – share suspicious activity with police as soon as possible via 111 if it’s
  happening now or 105 if it has already happened.

Through a combination of enforcement, visible policing, and community cooperation, the Area Prevention Unit is working hard to ensure Counties Manukau South remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.