The Police Beat Team has been working with retailers in the Whakatāne CBD and making good progress in apprehending dishonesty offenders.

Since April 2026, the apprehension and resolution rate has increased from an average of seven a month to 97 in June, 75 in July and 69 in August.

Police are reminding businesses to make use of security cameras and other security measures, and to report offending rather than dismissing incidents as insignificant.

Anyone witnessing a crime in progress or who believes someone is in immediate danger should call 111. Non-urgent incidents can be reported to police on 105.