Retail crime reaches record levels

across New Zealand

Data obtained by the National Party shows the number of reported retail crime incidents in New Zealand has skyrocketed to more than 10,000 in a single month.

That’s the highest in recorded history, according to the party’s police spokesperson, Mark Mitchell.

“In the 12 months to November 30 last year, an average of 8541 retail crime incidents were recorded monthly,” he says.

“In October 2022 alone, there were a staggering 10,020 incidents. During the same 12-month period to November 30, 2018, an average of 4336 retail crime incidents were recorded – just half the number we are seeing today.”

The data shows a staggering 96,195 retail crime incidents reported across the country in the 11 months from January to November last year.

Numerous east Auckland businesses were targeted in ram-raids or smash-and-grab burglaries and robberies in the past year. LiquorLand Howick was ram-raided twice in 2022.

The Michael Hill and TJ Handcrafted jewellery stores at the Botany Town Centre were both robbed multiple times.

Ormiston Town Centre was ram-raided on several occasions.

Other local businesses impacted by the ongoing crime wave include a petrol station, a book store, a health food shop, a vape store, an appliance store, dairies, and more.

Mitchell says criminals in New Zealand feel “emboldened because they know they will not be held accountable by this soft-on-crime Labour Government”.

He says that’s why violent crime has risen 21 per cent and gang membership is up 56 per cent.

“The new Prime Minister [Chris Hipkins] was in charge of the police portfolio when this data was recorded.

“Any suggestion his Government is not soft on crime, or that crime is decreasing, is utterly misleading and total spin.”

Mitchell says the Labour Government removed the Three Strikes legislation for serious repeat offenders, reduced the prison population, and not given police the powers to take firearms off violent criminals.

The new Police Minister, Stuart Nash, says he has a “very clear understanding” of the portfolio and he’s completely focused on the issues that matter for police and the public.

“These include ensuring police are supported with the people, resources, and legislative tools it needs to keep communities safe and prevent great relationship with the Beautification Trust, which is contracted to Auckland Council to remove graffiti from east and south Auckland’s public spaces.

“The trust provides a rapid response and in most cases graffiti can be removed within 24 hours.”

Newbury encourages local businesses and residents to report graffiti to the Beautification Trust on 0800 363 824.

According to the Summary Offences Act, a person is liable to a community-based sentence or a fine not exceeding $2000, or both, if he or she damages or defaces any property without lawful authority and the consent of its occupier or owner.

 People with information on the culprits who tagged several locations in Howick village on December 18 can phone 105 and ask for the Howick Police station.