'A lot safer': Police ramp up Ponsonby patrols after fatal shooting

May 14, 2024

Inspector Alisse Robertson said the presence of extra officers is expected to be in place for another week. (Source: Breakfast)

Up to 25 officers have been patrolling the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby each day after police increased security there following a fatal shooting last week.

Robert Sidney Horne was killed after Hone Kay-Selwyn allegedly pulled a gun from a shoulder bag and fired "multiple" shots on Ponsonby Rd.

Horne was with a group of people at the time of the shooting and was found dead when police arrived.

Over the last week-and-a-half, Auckland City West Area Commander Inspector Alisse Robertson told Breakfast between 20 and 25 frontline, district and community staff resources have been patrolling Ponsonby every day following the "tragic event".

She said businesses who had previously voiced their concerns are feeling "a lot safer" with the extra officers on the beat.

"Last week's tragedy, you know, when it's on your doorstep people feel that increased sense of not feeling safe.

"So it's incumbent on the likes of myself and my team to ensure that safety is occurring, and also engaging with our retailers face-to-face, listening to their concerns and addressing those with more reassurance, and further patrols and having that visibility."

Robertson said there is a "finite amount of resource" regarding the number of officers that can be used in one area, and said it was possible to divert resources from across districts to where they are needed most.

"We're always in and around Ponsonby in our general work as we are across Auckland, so there will always be a police presence. Will there be as many? Probably not."

Robertson said it was important for the public to be "situationally aware" and contact police if they ever feel unsafe.

PM responds to monitoring of shooter's funeral

Over the weekend and yesterday, police monitored movements and proceedings surrounding Kay-Selwyn's funeral — which resulted in four arrests.

Inspector Rakana Cook said the operation involved monitoring numerous gang members moving through different parts of the city.

Speaking to Breakfast, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the "exceptionally good job" of officers and the Police Minister.

"From day one, Minister Mark Mitchell has done an exceptionally good job of making it clear to the police that we want these events to be well managed."

Luxon said there have not been any events similar to that in Ōpōtik last year, which saw a town taken over by gang members attending a funeral.

"The community members are relaying back to the ministers that they feel the police have control over these events," Luxon said.

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