A number of Bay of Plenty officers were among the large police contingent present at Whangamata's annual Beach Hop event over the weekend where there was a significant drop in the number of arrests.

Inspector John Kelly says just over 100 staff from the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland areas were drawn to Whangamata to police the 10th anniversary Beach Hop.
"We've ended up with 230 odd arrests, about 60 fewer than last year and far less than previous years which shows the benefits of strong relationships between police, Hop organisers and local councils and their communities."
"One of the most successful tools in keeping the Beach Hop a success is the liquor ban which enables us to nip problems in the butt before they escalate."