International Trend For Tougher Stance On Crime
David Garrett MP, ACT New Zealand
Thursday, November 12 2009

The British Government’s decision to increase minimum sentences for knife attacks to 25 years – an increase of 10 years - is part of a growing trend in western countries recognising that law and order policies treating offenders as victims do not work, ACT New Zealand Law & Order Spokesman David Garrett said today.

“Statistics show that a punitive approach to law and order can dramatically reduce the frequency of serious offences – as proven in California where ‘Three Strikes’ has seen a 65 percent reduction in homicide and violent crime," Mr Garrett said.

“In order to protect our communities and reduce serious violent offences, we must ensure the penalties are such that criminals are incentivised to change their behaviour. ACT’s ‘Three Strikes’ policy does just that – creating a strong incentive for criminals to amend their behaviour or face a lengthy jail sentenc

“Opponents of ‘Three Strikes’ in New Zealand have claimed that a punitive approach to crime is draconian and describe it as a backward step in the treatment of criminals. The British Government’s announcement, however, proves that countries similar to ours do not share those sentiments.

"A tougher stance on violent crime is the way forward. Britain has taken a stand – so must we,” Mr Garrett said.

ENDS

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