Nelson Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
Wednesday 14 December 2022
03 548 2770
41 Nile Street East, Nelson
03 548 2770 03 548East, 2770 41 Nelson 41 Nile Nile Street Street East, Nelson 41 Nile Street East, Nelson
Everest Challenge: 44 laps of Codgers Cameron Jones (left) had to complete the Everest challenge alone after Seamus O’Donnell was injured in a crash three quarters of the way through. Photo: Jack Malcolm. Full story page 26.
Businesses: police presence needed MAX FRETHEY
Local Democracy Reporter
Businesses in Nelson’s city centre want a greater police presence on the street to deter would-be offenders as they’re subjected to the increased rate of crime being seen nationwide. The desire was expressed Wednesday night at a meeting between about 50 retailers and
local police, hosted by Mayor Nick Smith. “I’ve been approached by at least 20, probably closer to 30, mainly retail businesses, but also retail workers, who are worried about an increase in the level of crime in the central city,” Nick says. “What I want to do is to provide the opportunity for those of us to that have positions of responsibility in the city to be able to hear
directly from [businesses] as to what [they] feel is going on in the city.” And these worries were made clear to relieving area commander Mark Clayton and sergeant Kyle Bunnings. Incidents raised include business owners being subject to death threats, having weapons drawn on them, and assaults on staff, alongside an increase in shop-
lifting and disorderly conduct from those under the influence of drugs and alcohol. “We’re all experiencing a lift in crime,” said Stirling Sports’ Wyatt Crockett. “Going back five years, you’d see one or two incidents per year. Now it’s almost daily.” He said shoplifting is costing his businesses “thousands and thousands” of dollars and so he’s having to divert staff to keep a watch
on customers, which has an impact on the atmosphere in the store. “It’s taking us away from what we’re trying to do, to create a nice environment for our customers… it’s unsustainable.” Another business owner in the city centre, who asked not to be named, said she’s concerned for
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