Extra security measures will be put in place around construction works in Dunedin’s George St after an increase in abuse directed towards council staff and contractors in recent weeks.
The move follows an early morning rampage yesterday which left a 71-year-old member of the public with serious injuries and several stores with broken front windows.
Dunedin City Council chief executive Sandy Graham said the council was aware of the "upsetting" incident.
While it did not not appear the serious assault was connected to the George St upgrade, staff and contractors had been facing an increasing level of verbal abuse while working in the area in recent weeks.
"Any verbal abuse or threatening behaviour is completely unacceptable," Ms Graham said.
Isaac Construction chief executive Jeremy Dixon said the company would be putting in place temporary security measures, including guards, body cameras and video surveillance.
“It is a shame the actions of a small minority of people mean we have to take this step, but we need to do everything we can to protect our staff, the public and businesses in the area, who are all bearing the brunt of this behaviour,” Mr Dixon said.
Isaac staff had been supporting shop owners affected by the overnight incident, while also working to ensure public spaces were clear and businesses could reopened, he said.
