The St Mary’s Bay Association met with police recently to discuss security risks in the Reserve. This followed a 5am attack on a woman jogging through the reserve. Fortunately, a cyclist heard the woman’s screams and came to her aid. The offender ran off and appears to have fled by climbing over several fences in private property. A man has since been charged.
Several SMBA committee members joined two police officers for a “walk through” of the reserve to identify areas where security could be improved. Better lighting, installation of CCTV cameras and trimming of some bushes were all discussed.
The police will now prepare a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design report. This will include observations from the “walk through” and general information on trends relating to reports of incidents in the reserve. This report should be most helpful when the SMBA meets with Auckland Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency (which owns part of the reserve) to discuss the need for improved security measures.
The opening of the pedestrian overbridge in 2012 provided a direct link between the increasing activity in Wynyard Quarter and the reserve, which runs alongside the motorway. Wynyard Quarter has become a busy entertainment precinct, attracting people from many parts of Auckland. Visiters to the area will increase significantly during the upcoming America’s Cup. In 2011 the association requested the installation of a CCTV camera in the reserve, but this did not happen.