BUSINESS CAPABILITY WORKSHOP – 5th NOVEMBER
Senior Constable Bradley Sanderson and Constable Chris Byun 5th November
Prevention is better than cure. This was one of the key messages from this workshop for North Harbour’s retailers and customer-facing businesses. Prominent signage declaring “Thieves will be prosecuted” can be an effective deterrent, as can a simple “Hello” or “Can I help you?” – so that someone recognises they have been acknowledged entering a store.
Constable Brad Sanderson walked attendees through other practical tips (such as having a strong refunds & returns protocol in place and ensuring that all members of staff are aware of this) and common sense advice (e.g., carefully consider CCTV placement so that people’s faces are visible). He also explained the important difference between the 111 and 105 Police phone lines.
Constable Chris Sanderson then addressed a complaint which Police hear frequently: there are too many questions when making a 111 call. He explained that there are three police call centres in New Zealand and that the call handlers have to go through five steps in order to assess the incident:
The address where the incident is occurring, including side streets (e.g., Constellation Drive is a side street of Parkway Drive)
This is to verify the precise location and to avoid confusion if, for example, there was another Parkway Drive in Napier.
A quick summary of the incident
Is it happening now? Is the thief still there? Is there a threat of violence? These help to determine whether anyone’s safety is at risk and, therefore, the priority of the call.
The mode of transport
Is the perpetrator walking, biking or travelling by car?
The time delay
This confirms the information given in the summary
Description of individuals and items
This helps to give context.
Both officers stressed that a call to either number is never wasting police time. Indeed, reports of criminal activity noticed in an area help police to build up a genuine picture of that neighbourhood. “I’m an Albany community constable,” said Brad. “I want my community to feel safe.”
Resources:
NZ Police Business Crime Prevention booklet (PDF)
NZ Police trespass forms (PDF)
Much more information for business owners is available at police.govt.nz/advice-services/businesses-and-organisations/protect-your-business
