The Eagle helicopter will be temporarily deployed over Christchurch from tomorrow as police focus on youth offending in the city.
The move is part of a two-month police operation to disrupt youth-related crime in the region.
“Eagle will be utilised on occasion throughout the two-month operation,” Superintendent Tony Hill said.
“This operation is being launched to disrupt offending patterns, hold offenders to account and deter any further offending.”
Eagle is the police’s air support unit – often used as an “airborne observation platform” while helping to coordinate ground units and track persons of interest on foot or in vehicles.
The Eagle unit comprised three helicopters, usually based in Auckland, with each flight crewed by a civilian pilot and two uniformed tactical flight officers.
Hill said police would be “bringing in every available resource” as part of the Canterbury crackdown. Alongside the Eagle helicopter, the Youth Targeting Team would be bolstered by additional personnel.
“Serious offences should be met with serious consequences,” he said. “We understand there is a lot of frustration among the community following recent offending, and we hear you.”
On Tuesday, a 14-year-old boy was arrested in Christchurch after a dairy owner was stabbed during a robbery.
“We know the impact this has on business owners and their staff,” Hill said.
“Nobody should turn up to work in fear of becoming the next victim of this violent offending.”
He said any young offender could “expect action”.
Police would be working with several agencies throughout the operation.
