Police are making enquiries after learning of a letter which has purportedly been distributed to local homes and raises concerns about the amount of crime in the community.
The letter states its author is a “licensed firearm holder” who’s “prepared to use whatever force is necessary to protect my family at home or my business”.
Photos of the typed letter were recently posted on a community Facebook page.
The document was said to have been found in a mailbox on April 21.
It’s addressed to residents in three streets in Botany Downs and entitled “We are tired of the crime in our community”.
It states the author was shocked to learn a friend was robbed over the recent long weekend while they were away and goes on to talk about the Labour Government’s law and order policies.
“Our government’s response to crime, of lack thereof, is disgusting and sorrowful.
“It is not just an issue with policing policy. It is also an issue regarding how the government views economic and social policy.
“This government promotes the idea that no one needs to be responsible for their own actions.”
The letter states its author has seen what it’s like “when crime was rampant” and they “moved to New Zealand because it was safe and beautiful”.
They say their house in their home country was broken into and their sister had a knife held to her throat.
The letter then says the author is “not afraid to use armed force in self-defence if my business, home or my family or neighbours are assaulted”.
“I am a licensed firearm holder and I am prepared to use whatever force is necessary to protect my family at home or my business.”
The author says they’ve set up a neighbourhood watch and extended its protection to “neighbours who have consented”.
The letter ends with advice for residents to help them stay safe, such as keeping valuable items out of sight, keeping doors locked, joining a local neighbourhood support group and setting up an alarm system.
Counties Manukau East Police relieving area commander, Inspector Rakana Cook, says police have begun making enquiries to establish who circulated the letter “so we can connect with them to discuss their concerns”.
“Police are working hard every day to prevent crime and hold offenders accountable, but we acknowledge our communities’ concerns around crime.
“When it comes to a person’s safety, we would strongly suggest they call police or get themselves into a position where they and their family are safe.
“We would not recommend trying to use weapons or violence because you can be dealing with brazen offenders and your safety is paramount to us.”
Cook says people with concerns about crime in their neighbourhood should contact their local police station.
As the Times recently reported, the number of Kiwis who have reported being the victim of crime has risen 46 per cent since 2017.
Police data shows the number of victimisations increased from 241,000 in 2017 to 350,000 last year, while serious assaults resulting in injury rose from 9,800 in 2017 to 23,000 in 2022, a 140 per cent increase.
