Efforts made to wipe window washers off streets

Auckland Council is clamping down on intimidating behaviour by window washers at intersections throughout the city.

Max Wilde, Manager Bylaws and Compliance, says “We are receiving up to 40 complaints a month from frustrated motorists who are concerned - and often intimidated – by the behavior of window washers. The safety of drivers is paramount and we are working together with Police to identify intimidating window washers and take action against them.”

Over the last six to eight weeks evidence has been obtained relating to more than 220 separate offences in breach of Auckland Council’s Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw. Council staff have collated information on more than 60 individuals who regularly take part in this activity and are working with Police to identify offenders. In addition, trespass notices are being considered to deter prolific offenders from reoffending. The combined approach of Police assisting with identification and sharing of information on this activity will now make prosecution more viable for council.

A recent joint operation with the Police saw council focus enforcement on an intersection in Mt Wellington where 13 people were engaged in window washing over a two day period. The identities of those involved were obtained by Police and council will be pursuing enforcement action through the courts. As well as breaches of council bylaws, Police arrested several individuals for various unrelated criminal matters.

Inspector Ross Barnaby, District Manager Community & Youth, says “We are concerned about the number of individuals we have found window washing who have outstanding criminal matters. Additionally we have come across young people who should be at school, including a 13-year-old who had been reported missing by his parents.”

The Police returned him home and encourage other youths to continue with their schooling or training to improve their chances of achieving more long-term secure job opportunities. Running in and out of live traffic lanes at peak periods washing windows is not safe and they put themselves and others in danger. .

Council staff and Police believe drivers also have an important part to play in helping resolve the window washing issue. Money is the motivation for window washers and drivers should discourage window washers at intersections and decline to pay them.

ENDS

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