Security steps important during Show Week

Christchurch police are urging Show Week visitors to be extra cautious about security during the week.

Senior Sergeant Pete Laloli, of Hornby Police, says past experience shows some burglars specialise in targeting Show Week.

"People tend to be a bit lax on security when visiting Christchurch during the Show Week festivities," says Senior Sergeant Laloli. "Some burglars target motels and the cars parked at the show.

"Motels are often an easy target for thieves who know that doors may be left unlocked for latecomers. And if we get hot nights at this time of the year, windows also get left wide open.  

"People are relaxed and cash tends to be left lying around. Unfortunately thieves know from experience where to look for wallets and jewellery. Money should always be well hidden and secured or placed in the motel safe."

Police also urge people driving to the A&P Show to make sure they don't leave valuable items where they can be seen in parked cars.

Indicative crime figures from the Southern Christchurch area show an increase in theft from cars during Show Week in each of the past two years. In 2011 offences during Show Week were about 35 per cent higher than in previous weeks, while in 2010 offending was about 50 per cent higher during Show Week than in previous weeks.

Burglary offences in the area also rose slightly during Show Week last year, by about 20 per cent over previous weeks. Three burglaries were reported from hotels or motels.

Meanwhile, people travelling by car to the show, especially on Friday, are being encouraged to leave early, be patient, and plan their route in advance.

Senior Sergeant Laloli says a new traffic management plan is in place around the A&P Showgrounds, and the former one-way system that had been in place for a number of years has been abolished.

"The construction of the new Southern Motorway has led to a new traffic management system" he says.  

"Visitors should enter the car park area via Templetons Rd, or Aidanfield Drive and Harry McMahon Drive.

"There is still an entrance off Wigram Rd but a height restriction is in place -  for example, motorhomes, campervans and four-wheel drive vehicles with storage boxes on the roof will not be able to be negotiate the underpass".

The public are urged to show patience and tolerance as there are still major traffic works associated with the construction of the new Southern Motorway and motorists should expect delays.

Police are also repeating their message to party-goers and Show Week visitors about over-indulging on alcohol.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Nalder says police are focusing on alcohol-related offending this week.

"We have additional staff on the frontline this year, actively enforcing liquor bans and public place drinking laws, and visiting licensed premises," says Senior Sergeant Nalder.

"Anyone caught breaching a liquor ban can expect to be arrested and could be charged.  That includes people drinking in vehicles if that vehicle is in a liquor ban area.

"And of course we urge drivers to stay safe on the roads and not drink and drive. "We want everyone to enjoy the week safely."