Tauranga North community constable Christopher Connolly says dedicated police units, community partnerships and public vigilance are playing a key role in addressing crime across the city – but challenges remain.
Connolly, who has spent nearly eight years with New Zealand Police, was appointed Tauranga North community constable in May last year after working in frontline and road policing roles across Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Tauranga.
“It was a nice change going from dealing with people who weren’t always happy to see me, to dealing with members of the public who give me a warm welcome,” he said.
In addition to community policing, Connolly is part of the Western Bay of Plenty’s search and rescue team and carries out relief forensic photography work.
Six stations
Western Bay of Plenty policing includes six stations – Katikati, Te Puke, Greerton, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Tauranga. The Tauranga City station operates as the region’s only 24-hour station.
Connolly said retail crime was one of the biggest ongoing challenges, particularly low-value shoplifting. However, the creation of a dedicated retail crime unit had significantly improved outcomes, he said.
“Police found a small number of offenders were repeatedly targeting multiple retailers, often without incidents being reported.”
In one December 2024 case, the retail crime unit recovered $10,000 worth of goods stolen from 15 local retailers after tracking known offenders through the city’s camera network.
“The pair claimed they had been Christmas shopping.”
He said many retailers were unaware items had been taken.
Gang activity throughout the Bay of Plenty was another concern. Connolly said a dedicated gang unit now targeted offenders who breached bail or failed to appear in court, improving compliance with gang legislation.
“Gang patches are gone for the most part. You’re not seeing the large gang rides and gatherings. It’s helping the community feel safer,” he said.
Road safety also remained a priority nationwide, with increased staffing for road policing and lower tolerance for dangerous driving. Connolly said targeted operations continued to address boy racing, road rage and dangerous vehicle modifications.
Online fraud was also on the rise, with increasingly sophisticated scams involving fake delivery notifications, toll fees and subscription-style thefts.
“They take small amounts over time, which can go unnoticed,” Connolly said. He urged people to regularly check their bank statements.
Romance scams were another growing concern, particularly among the region’s elderly or vulnerable, with offenders often requesting untraceable payments such as gift cards.
Join a community patrol
Connolly said strong community connections were essential in preventing crime and responding to emergencies. He encouraged residents to get involved with the Tauranga North Community Patrol.
“Being visible, connected and prepared makes a real difference,” he said. “We’re always looking for volunteers who want to give back and help keep their community safe.”
Contact the Tauranga North Community Patrol online by visiting: https://cpnz.org.nz/join-cpnz/bay-plenty/