There has been criticism from residents over a lack of policing in and around the harbour following a number of crimes which have been happening such as car theft and damage.
But Senior Sergeant Roy Appley said there are five officers, including station boss Sergeant Franco Lovrich, who are rostered to work different shifts in Lyttelton between 7am and 11pm over seven days.
Senior Sergeant Appley is based at the Papanui Police Station but oversees police in other communities, including Lyttelton.
“The benefit of having five dedicated officers is that they are able to follow up on things that are continually happening,” he said.
He said both during and outside of hours the officers are working, police can be sent from any area of Christchurch to attend incidents in Lyttelton if they are required.
“Police are sent where the needs are, particularly if it’s life-threatening,” he said.
Similarly, Lyttelton’s officers may at times be called to assist incidents which are happening in other areas of Christchurch.
The Canterbury District Command Centre is open 24/7 and has staff working to monitor crime trends and the events happening around Christchurch.
Senior Sergeant Appley said staff use this information to respond to crimes as they happen in any area, including Lyttelton, and to prevent crimes before they occur.
Uniformed police are available to respond to public safety incidents, alcohol-related incidents and incidents which require police dogs.
Additionally, there are three road policing responses.
These are normal traffic policing, the booze bus, which targets drunk and drugged drivers and the Antisocial Road User Group, which deals with boy racers.
“In an emergency, people should call 111 and the appropriate resource will be dispatched. If it is not urgent, residents should call 105,” said Senior Sergeant Appley.
“The overall goal is for people to feel safe and to be safe, and that is taken very seriously by Canterbury police.”
Meanwhile, private security company Tactical Response Team has been patrolling the streets at night in response to residents’ concerns.
The City to Sumner Community Patrol also has a plan to station one of its vehicles in Lyttelton.
But that plan is on hold until at least four more volunteers put their hand up to help keep an eye on the port and harbour areas.
