THE nationwide company First Security began night patrols in Ōtorohanga township this week. Photo: Paul Charman
NIGHT-TIME security covering about 80 businesses in Ōtorohanga Township has been improved, with a new provider scanning QR codes at each building at least twice a night.
Ōtorohanga District Council manager for projects Robbie Whiteman wrote to business owners last week to tell them nationwide operator First Security was to take over patrols from Monday this week.
Robbie also gave an update on the long-awaited introduction of CCTV coverage for township. It was still thought too expensive to install any time soon, he said, though advances in technology offered hope it could become more affordable.
“For over 20 years, the council has implemented a targeted rate on commercial property owners in Ōtorohanga township who receive after-hours security services for their properties and businesses,” Robbie said.
“This is further supplemented by general rates as there is a community-good component to a safer business precinct.
“We understand the importance of this service in ensuring the safety and security of your premises, and we continuously strive to improve its effectiveness.”
He explained that the council had previously funded the Ōtorohanga Business Association (ŌBA) to deliver the service via a subcontractor.
The arrangement with ŌBA ceased in March 2023, with the council then directly engaging Pearl Security while a tender process was undertaken.
A review of the service and survey of business owners in 2023 showed some leasing their premises were unaware that a targeted rate was applied, and a security service was being provided to their businesses.
This was due, in part, to the rates information being received and actioned by the property owner.
Further information collected during the review process and survey was taken into consideration through the recently completed procurement process for the ongoing provision of afterhours security.
“Ōtorohanga District Council is pleased to announce that we have entered into a contract with First Security.
“We would like to thank both the ŌBA and Pearl Security for the work they have undertaken to help keep our business premises secure.
“The security patrol is aimed at providing strong security deterrents to property damage and thefts in the business district, outside of normal hours.
“The new security provision contract requires the same level of service as the current contract and will have additional reporting methods to monitor delivery.”
Requirements of the service included:
n Patrols to be performed 365 days per year.
n Patrols to be carried out (over) a period of eight hours total per night. Patrols are to be random, are not required to be continuous, and to be undertaken at irregular times.
n At least two patrols to be carried out each night.
n Timesheets and QR scanning reports to be used to provide a record of the hours worked and the patrol areas covered.
Robbie said First Security had extensive experience with security patrols around New Zealand and they utilised the latest technology to provide a reporting log for every shift.
The Security Patrol Officers would be outfitted in First Security uniforms and their vehicles are sign written with the First Security logo, so they would be clearly identifiable as security officers.
First Security personnel would visit all premises that are covered by the nightly patrol to attach a QR code sticker to the outside of the building entrance. This would be scanned twice nightly.
Meanwhile, council staff had been working with Sergeant Jimmie Walker and technical providers to obtain estimates for the cost of CCTV coverage for the central business district.
This came in at an estimated $300,000.
“Staff and the Ōtorohanga District Development Board researched external funding opportunities to no avail, meaning the expense would be the communities to bear,” Robbie said.
“This information was provided to elected members as part of the upcoming long-term plan preparation. As you can imagine, there was reluctance in supporting such a large investment.
However, the district’s area police sergeant shared new information regarding the latest in camera technology, which other councils and communities were using.
“There is new technology available that links your existing business cameras onto a shared platform that can be accessed by police,” Robbie said.
“We are exploring this option and will be back in touch with you later in the first half of this year,” Robbie told the business owners.
“If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
