Kapiti- Mana Police Chief is moving along

The Kapiti-Mana Area Commander Inspectctor John Spence is moving on next month after 11 years as Kapiti Mana’s top cop.

He will lead the last New Zealand Police UN deployment to East Timor before taking up new opportunities within the Wellington District on his return in mid-2012.

It is a poignant moment for John, as he helped command the first Police deployment to Timor in 2006.

Inspector Spence says he’s leaving the Area in good heart, as the latest crime statistics for the fiscal year show overall recorded crime is down by 4.8 per cent, with the Area having the lowest recorded crime rate per 10,000 head of population in the Wellington Police District.

He says: “There have been many outstanding results and highlights within the Area in the last decade, as there have been challenges, but the time is right to move on.”

Inspector Spence says the death of Sergeant Derek Wootton on 11 July 2008 was one of the most heart rending moments of his career. Sergeant Wootton was struck by a vehicle in Titahi Bay while deploying road spikes. A man is currently serving a prison sentence for manslaughter.

“I know that Derek will continue to be honoured each and every year, even after my departure.”

He says some of the most significant reductions in crime across the Kapiti Mana Area recently include burglary offences, which are down by 12.8 per cent, compared to the same time last year.

“This follows on from the two recent busts of burglary rings in the last couple of months, which will significantly impact on our burglary statistics in the coming months.”

 

Inspector Spence says, “I’m leaving at a time when crime and crash statistics, particularly fatal crashes, are trending downwards and our strong focus remains on prevention. Staff remain dedicated to ensuring that all residents in the Area can be safe and feel safe.”