LOCAL NEWS
MELISSA LEE:
CRIME IN AUCKLAND We need to talk about crime in Auckland. The number of ram-raids and burglaries alongside gang violence across our streets is shocking and I’m incredibly concerned about safety for New Zealand families on our suburban streets. When people aren’t feeling safe in our communities, particularly here in our beautiful central Auckland suburbs, there is a serious problem. Our streets are becoming less safe. Police are under increasing pressure to deal with youth offenders who are responsible for a staggering 88% of ram-raid incidents and contributing to a 31% increase in retail crime. Gang membership is also up 44% since Labour came into office and violent crime is up 21%. Simply put, something has to change. It is absolutely clear that the government has been asleep at the wheel in the face of a cascade of continuing subversion of the laws of our country. We must see better action to get safety of our streets back across the city of Auckland. Hopefully with the change in police minister there will be some better policies, but I’m not going to hold my breath. Our police are working tirelessly to keep us all safe but they need urgent help. They need better support and they are not being backed by the soft on crime Labour Government. How many more dairies, boutique shops and local restaurants must we see with their glass doors smashed in and their terrified owners trying to pick up their lives in pieces before we see change? National has a strong plan to tackle crime across New Zealand, from strengthening firearms prohibition orders to looking at the creation of a dedicated law enforcement gang taskforce; our police must have the tools and powers required to deal to crime in our community. Shop owners and front line police officers are having to deal with the frustration of seeing an apparent lack of consequences for offenders, particularly from youth crime that can and must be prevented. The youth justice system seems unable to respond with growing numbers, so police, shop keepers, and the wider public, instead will pay the price by dealing with more repeat offending, moving young offenders into a life of crime over a real future that will benefit New Zealand.
New Zealand dairies, supermarkets and liquor stores have seen a 25.7% increase in victimisations. Despite this, police are making fewer arrests. There has been a massive reduction of 62.8% in arrests for offences against dairies, supermarkets or liquor stores since 2017 hurting confidence from New Zealand businesses that this government will protect them when crime hits their community. Worse still, the average police response time has more than doubled nationwide with Auckland City waiting a staggering 321% longer than it did under National. Until Labour gets real about crime and starts sending the message from the top that gangs, violence in our city, and the misery criminals smashing up storefronts cause are not welcome in New Zealand, Kiwis shouldn’t expect much to change. What do you think? (MELISSA LEE MP) PN
National Spokesperson for Broadcasting & Media| Digital Economy and Communications | Ethnic Communities E: mplee@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
If you require any assistance I and my office are always happy and ready to provide advice and support Please get in touch on 09 520 0538 or at MPLee@parliament.govt.nz to make an appointment.
Melissa Lee National List MP based in Auckland MPLee@parliament.govt.nz • melissalee.co.nz •
mpmelissalee
Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2022
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