PM will be announcing something big on police numbers: Judith Collins
Judith Collins was in Christchurch on October 26 to attend an open forum organised by Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central, to address the issue of recent spike in aggravated robberies targeting dairies and liquor stores, many owned by Kiwi-Indians. However, the minister was non-committal on when the major announcement will come.
Natu Rama, president of the city-based Indian Cultural and Social Club, who led a delegation of Indian shopkeepers at the workshop, was present at the forum along with members from community patrols and the top brass of Canterbury Police. This included Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price, Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, Detective Inspector Tony Hill, and Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper.
During the forum, Rama suggested that confidence in Canterbury Police is low in the Indian community. “What else can you expect when the police arrives three days after the crime is reported? My community members have started thinking about taking the law in their own hands, which I absolutely oppose. But the police must also get their act together,” he said.
To this, Price replied, “I must assure everyone that we take instances of aggravated robberies very seriously, and I am happy to report that we have either solved the crime or monitoring the suspects in all cases of aggravated robberies that took place this year. Sometimes, it takes time for the police to act because we have to prioritise while allocating resources. Moreover, the latest spike in cases like these is fuelled by drug addiction, and we already have a task force in place to nip it in the bud. Not for shoplifting, but for robberies, the police will definitely come.”
The minister added, “I understand the pain as I myself have been burgled three times in my life. But I must add that New Zealand is the fourth-safest country in the world because of the very good work our police does. Latest survey shows that 76% of our population has confidence in the police, which is the second best after nurses. Moreover, this government is tough on crime. That's why more convicts are behind bars and are staying there longer.”
Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper gave some tips to shopkeepers, dairy owners, and liquor stores on how to be safe was. “Don't put lots of signage on your shop windows. Have ample lighting in your shop, put CCTV cameras, don't put lots of loose cash in the shop, and if possible, make sure there is more than one person behind the counter,” he informed.
The final word belonged to Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, who urged the gathering to play their part in stopping the latest spike in robberies in and around Christchurch. “If you want to give any information without revealing your identity, please call 0800 555 111. Residents can also go to christchurch.getsready.net to connect with their neighbours and businesses. Also, visit Canterbury Police's social media outlets to keep up-to-date with any advisories.”
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Judith Collins was in Christchurch on October 26 to attend an open forum organised by Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central, to address the issue of recent spike in aggravated robberies targeting dairies and liquor stores, many owned by Kiwi-Indians. However, the minister was non-committal on...
Judith Collins was in Christchurch on October 26 to attend an open forum organised by Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central, to address the issue of recent spike in aggravated robberies targeting dairies and liquor stores, many owned by Kiwi-Indians. However, the minister was non-committal on when the major announcement will come.
Natu Rama, president of the city-based Indian Cultural and Social Club, who led a delegation of Indian shopkeepers at the workshop, was present at the forum along with members from community patrols and the top brass of Canterbury Police. This included Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price, Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, Detective Inspector Tony Hill, and Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper.
During the forum, Rama suggested that confidence in Canterbury Police is low in the Indian community. “What else can you expect when the police arrives three days after the crime is reported? My community members have started thinking about taking the law in their own hands, which I absolutely oppose. But the police must also get their act together,” he said.
To this, Price replied, “I must assure everyone that we take instances of aggravated robberies very seriously, and I am happy to report that we have either solved the crime or monitoring the suspects in all cases of aggravated robberies that took place this year. Sometimes, it takes time for the police to act because we have to prioritise while allocating resources. Moreover, the latest spike in cases like these is fuelled by drug addiction, and we already have a task force in place to nip it in the bud. Not for shoplifting, but for robberies, the police will definitely come.”
The minister added, “I understand the pain as I myself have been burgled three times in my life. But I must add that New Zealand is the fourth-safest country in the world because of the very good work our police does. Latest survey shows that 76% of our population has confidence in the police, which is the second best after nurses. Moreover, this government is tough on crime. That's why more convicts are behind bars and are staying there longer.”
Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper gave some tips to shopkeepers, dairy owners, and liquor stores on how to be safe was. “Don't put lots of signage on your shop windows. Have ample lighting in your shop, put CCTV cameras, don't put lots of loose cash in the shop, and if possible, make sure there is more than one person behind the counter,” he informed.
The final word belonged to Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, who urged the gathering to play their part in stopping the latest spike in robberies in and around Christchurch. “If you want to give any information without revealing your identity, please call 0800 555 111. Residents can also go to christchurch.getsready.net to connect with their neighbours and businesses. Also, visit Canterbury Police's social media outlets to keep up-to-date with any advisories.”
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