The coalition Government is welcoming a move by police to put more frontline cops on the beat in Auckland in an effort to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon made the announcement with Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello on the weekend.
Luxon took to social media afterward to say nobody should go to work worrying whether their store is going to be robbed or ram-raided.
“I’m sick of it. Kiwis are sick of it. And it’s unacceptable.
“That’s why our Government has ramped up our actions to keep Kiwis safe, and make New Zealand a much tougher place for anyone involved in crime.”
Mitchell says starting on July 1 an extra 21 officers will be redeployed in Auckland City, taking the total number of “beat police” in the CBD to 51 by the end of next month.
“Kiwis are utterly sick of the crime and antisocial behaviour in our biggest city.
“Nobody should have to fear walking down Queen Street, or constantly worry when their business will be the victim of retail crime.
“I frequently meet with the victims of crime and the message I hear is a consistent one – communities want to see more police out and about.
“It is clear police have also heard that message.”
Police have also announced the establishment of Community Beat Teams for towns and cities across New Zealand that will be rolled out over the next two years.
The Government says its commitment to deliver 500 additional police means more officers will be deployed in highly-visible teams patrolling main streets, shopping malls and transport hubs.
Auckland will be the first to benefit with 63 officers deployed across its three policing districts, 17 in Wellington, and 10 in Christchurch, with additional officers to be deployed in towns and regional centres over time.
“This Government takes law and order seriously and that is why we are delivering more resources for police,” Costello says.
“The 500 additional police our Government is delivering will significantly extend their capabilities and their visibility, which is exactly what Kiwis want.
“Nobody should ever have to fear for their safety in our cities, but criminals should certainly fear the consequences of crime.”
Mitchell says adding 500 police to the force is just one part of the Government’s extensive action to restore law and order in New Zealand.
“Gangs are about to get hit hard by laws that give police more power to go after them.
“Three Strikes is coming back this year so that repeat offenders face tougher consequences, and we have plans to reduce the sentence discounts that judges can apply.
“And we are setting up military-style academies for serious and persistent young offenders who are responsible for much of the retail crime around the country.”
