Police response to an attempted Hamilton home invasion which left a wheelchair-bound, cerebral palsy sufferer shaken and frightened has been labelled by Grey Power as “falling woefully short”.
A recent New Zealand Herald report outlined the incident in which 74-year-old Toira Newman bravely squared up to a man who knocked at her door in the evening and demanded to use her phone. Ms Newman said he was aggressive and persistent; at one point he allegedly looked as if he might haul her out of her chair.
Facing defiance and a strong challenge from Ms Newman, the offender eventually departed. She then telephoned the police. Unfortunately, she was told the police were too busy to attend but suggested she make an online complaint.
Later, Hamilton City area commander, Andrea McBeth admitted the situation was not well handled.
While she said police recognised the need to ensure vulnerable members of the community received a timely and efficient response to calls for service, this needed to be balanced with resources available at the time.
The Herald’s report said McBeth accepted that in this instance [police] response fell short of expectations.
National Grey Power president, Gayle Chambers said she found the whole incident alarming.
“I am appalled that no one was able to attend on the night and ensure Ms Newman was all right. In particular, I am concerned that the police dispatcher not stay on the line to fully ensure there was no further threat.
“What’s more, I wonder if the dispatcher considered whether Ms Newman was computer literate and/or able to handle an online report due to her medical condition and stress at the time.
“This is just another example of the vulnerability of aged citizens which needs addressing. We understand that on the night in question, police were short-staffed and attending to other calls, which is precisely why there need to be a re-think on police staffing levels and how to ensure the safety of all citizens in their homes.”
