Simon Power
National Party Law & Order Spokesman
27 October 2005

Circuit-breaker needed for South Auckland gangs

National’s Law and Order spokesman, Simon Power, says a short-term circuit-breaker is needed to defuse the youth gang situation in South Auckland.

“The current set of initiatives do not appear to be having the impact they should and some kind of circuit-breaker is need urgently.

“A short-term curfew, as has been suggested, seems like a good first step.

“While the public and the council get together to talk about these issues, the public have a right to feel safe in their own communities, and they need to see that some immediate action is being taken.

“Community discussions and long-term planning are fine but a short-term curfew while those discussions occur would give people the feeling of safety they deserve.

“The Police ‘always-arrest’ policy for those carrying weapons and committing acts of violence is a good one but we are still dealing with a systemic problem where a short-term solution is needed.

“If a curfew is what is required, it must be done. It’s no different to short-term solutions being put into place over New Year in hot spots regarding the carrying of alcohol.

“The Minister of Police needs to ensure sufficient resource is in place for the police while the curfew is in force so the community feels safe,” says Mr Power.

ENDS

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