Quick eyes and quick responses saw numerous arrests in central Auckland overnight.
Frontline Police and camera operators worked together to respond to a firearms incident and a robbery in the CBD.
The first incident occurred on Karangahape Road, at 6.49pm, when it was reported a man had pointed a pistol at a member of the public.
Auckland City Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, says Police had a man in custody within 10 minutes.
¡°Our city camera operators heard this incident come across the radio, and immediately began to track the person of interest, who had gone past Edinburgh Street.
¡°Our frontline staff were soon in the area, locating the man and arresting him.¡±
Inspector Tetzlaff says the man was located carrying a toy gun.
The 65-year-old man has since been charged with unlawfully carrying an imitation firearm.
Meanwhile, some hours later three arrests were made after a robbery near the Downtown Ferry Terminal at 12.40am.
A report was made to Police about a man being assaulted and having his phone stolen.
¡°Our camera operator quickly caught sight of a group of seven people walking past Britomart, and relayed this information to our frontline staff arriving in the area,¡± Inspector Tetzlaff says.
¡°They quickly had all seven detained at Te Komititanga while further enquiries were made.¡±
Police have arrested three men, aged 16, 18 and 21, over the incident.
¡°We have charged two with injuring with intent to injure and they will appear in court next week, while the 16-year-old will be referred to Youth Aid.¡±
The victim was treated at the scene by ambulance staff and did not require hospitalisation.
¡°It¡¯s a priority for us to ensure the public¡¯s safety in our CBD and when offending like this is reported we are quick to respond,¡± Inspector Tetzlaff says.
¡°We have no tolerance for this sort of offending taking place and we will hold those responsible to account.
¡°These are two examples of Police resources within the CBD working together to respond to incidents taking place in a timely manner.¡±
Inspector Tetzlaff says in both incidents, calls were made to Police¡¯s Emergency Communication Centres quickly.
¡°By calling 111 as soon as possible and providing as much information as possible, this will enable our staff to respond in a timely manner.¡±
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/51½ÖÉä