ACT Deputy Leader and Police Spokesman Ken Shirley will tonight attend a public meeting in Paengaroa where local residents will be seeking to clarify the existing trespass laws as they affect rural landowners following a recent shooting death in the district.

Ken Shirley said too many rural people are feeling abandoned by resource strapped police and vulnerable to lawbreakers who roam at will threatening them and thieving and damaging their properties.

"Much of this activity is clearly associated with the cultivation of cannabis."

"I have written to the District Police Commissioner and the Minister of Police urging a clamp down and clean up exercise aimed at restoring piece of mind to property owners."

"Property owners should have the fundamental right to be safe in their homes, on their properties and in their communities," said Hon Ken Shirley.

ENDS

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