New Zealand Indian Business Association (NZIBA) – an association of Indian retailers – has expressed concerns about the unabated rise in crime and ram raids along with the government’s perceived “soft on crime approach.”
A general meeting was held by the members of the association on August 8 in South Auckland to share the concerns around the safety of retailers, their staff and customers, where a consensus emerged that the government was not doing enough to curb retail crime.
Speaking with the Indian Weekender Chairperson of NZIBA, Davinder Rahal, said, “The members present in the meeting denounced the steps taken by the government so far which they feel would not result in any productive outcome.”
“We strongly believe that there is a serious need for judicial review, with a focus on how to make laws harsher for the serious crime perpetrators,” Mr Rahal said.
Jaspreet S. Kandhari, General Secretary NZ Indian Business Association, said, “The ethnic businesses in particular, which become the main target and victims, have started to feel that that the government has been largely lackadaisical in dealing with this issue.”
Need to provide more support to victims of retail-crime
The retailer association also expressed the view that there was an urgent need for a more collaborative approach to delivering post-crime relief to the victims of retail crime, who are largely left on their own to deal with the cost of invasion at their workplaces.
“The members were of the opinion that there is a need to adopt a long-term strategy and short-term approach to provide immediate support and relief to the victims who are facing the financial brunt besides undergoing mental trauma and living under constant fear on a daily basis,” Mr Rahal said.
The association has decided to take up a number of steps in the coming days, which will include meetings with the Police authorities and political members, submitting a memorandum, and, if required, holding a peaceful protest or march to raise the voice and express displeasure of the community affected at large.
The meeting was attended by S. Ajit Singh Randhawa (Advisory Board member), Roshni Chadha (President), Navtej Randhawa (Spokesperson), Jaspreet Kandhari (Gen Secretary), Arjit Dubey (Jt Secretary), Gurpreet Kandola (Treasurer) and Navjot Chadha (Asst Treasurer), apart from several other members. Hardeep Singh from Christchurch also joined the meeting virtually to express his concern and share his ideas on how to raise the issue collectively.