3 July 2007
Vigilant staff thwarted an escape attempt by four Mt Eden prisoners today, the Department of Corrections can confirm.
Northern Regional Manager Warren Cummins said the prisoners were able to climb an internal wall before using sheets to try to scale a perimeter wall.
“The prisoners were in a segregated internal yard, an area that is difficult to monitor because of the layout of the old Mt Eden Prison,” said Mr Cummins.
Staff noticed unusual activity on the perimeter fence, and were immediately able to apprehend the prisoners.
Mr Cummins commended the excellent work of staff in quickly putting an end to this escape attempt but declined to give further details for security reasons.
The Police have been notified and the four prisoners will be charged with attempted escape.
“Breakout escapes, where the security of a prison is breached, are increasingly uncommon due to modern facilities and their improved security,” he said.
The number of prison escapes have fallen by 78% in the last 10 years.