An eight and a half minute wait to speak to the police after dialling 111 has left a Cobden resident outraged. If I'd had a heart attack, I would have been dead." Initially thinking "some drunk" had come onto her property she looked out to find a "very expensive bike" left in her driveway. West Coast police prevention manager senior sergeant Brent Cook, said those who were unsure should dial 111. He noted a shift to more mobile policing for the West Coast meant police staff were less likely to "be stationary" and instead out on patrol.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 16, 2019 22:52 UTC