City centre safety and support guide
Need help in the city centre? Find the right services for safety, incidents or support.
If a crime is being committed or if you’re in immediate danger, call the Police
Emergency: Call 111 if there’s:
- Immediate risk to life or property
- A crime is in progress
- Suspected drug activity
- Illegal or harmful in-store incidents
Non-Emergency Police Matters: Call 105 or Report Online
- To report incidents that don’t require an urgent police response or a past incident
If you need quick safety support, or to deter unwanted behaviour, call the Heart of the City Safety Team: 09 9 61 61 61 (24/7)
For interim support in and around your business, private property or a public space or until Police or the appropriate service arrives.
This includes:
- Suspicious behaviour
- Trespass assistance
- Anti-social behaviour
- De-escalation support
- Unauthorised camping (private properties only)
If the issue is about rules, bylaws or public order, call Auckland Council Compliance Wardens: 09 301 0101 (7am – 10pm daily)
For support with bylaw breaches, including the following issues:
- Pathway obstructions
- Unauthorised camping, structures or storage of objects (public spaces only)
- Noise complaints
- Illegal dumping
- Liquor ban breaches
If there’s an environmental or maintenance issue, report to Auckland Council via their website or the Snap Send Solve App
For support with the following issues:
- Waste or litter
- Graffiti
- Footpaths, roads or streetlights
- Pollution
- Parks or public spaces
- Dog-related concerns
Glossary of common behaviours and terms:
Disclaimer: These are simplified definitions for guidance only. Refer to relevant legislation and official agency guidance for full details via the hyperlinks provided.
Immediate risk to life or property:
- If people are injured or in danger
- If there’s a serious, immediate or imminent risk to life or property
- If a crime is happening right now
- If a crime has just happened and the offender is nearby
If you’re unsure but feel unsafe, call 111 and let the operator decide. (NZ Police)
Non-emergency Police matters: If the situation is not happening right now, does not put anyone in immediate danger, does not involve a serious or urgent risk to people or property, make a report to the Police by calling 105 or report online. (NZ Police)
Illegal or harmful in-store incidents: These include theft, property damage, threats, aggression, or any behaviour that risks the safety of staff, customers, or property. (WorkSafe NZ, Retail NZ, Shopcare).
Illegal = Breaks the law and may require Police.
Harmful = Creates risk or disruption and may require de-escalation or support.
Unauthorised camping: A setup where people are staying or living in tents, vehicles, or other structures in a location not designated for camping or is causing obstruction. (Auckland Council)
Illegal dumping: The unauthorised disposal, discharge, or release of waste by individuals or businesses in a public place or on land without permission, including into council infrastructure or the environment. (Auckland Council)
Pollution: The release or presence of contaminants into air, land, or water that may harm the environment, infrastructure, or public health. (Auckland Council)
Suspected drug activity: Signs or behaviours suggesting a person may be using drugs, without confirmed evidence. (NZ Police)
If you have any questions or would like to make a formal complaint about:
Heart of the City Safety Team: (09) 379 8000 or [email protected]
NZ Police: Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) 0800 503 728 or [email protected]
Auckland Council Compliance Wardens or environmental/maintenance issue: online via the Auckland Council website or 09 301 0101
Need more help or information? (09) 379 8000 or [email protected]
