Local communities in Auckland fear for their safety in their own homes after an elderly woman was assaulted, tied up, and burgled this week in broad daylight at her home in Papatoetoe says New Zealand First.

Associate spokesperson for Police Asenati Lole-Taylor says a combination of issues in the area including the closure of the Papatoetoe police station last year, legal high shops selling synthetic drugs, street prostitution, and issues relating to welfare reforms means many local residents no longer feel safe.

“The National Government has stated that it is priority to reduce crime, yet they have not addressed the core issues that many residents in South Auckland are concerned about.

“Communities in South Auckland have repeatedly asked this Government for help but it seems as though their concerns are falling on deaf ears.

“The Police are doing the best they can with the limited resources they have in order to keep our communities safe, but the fundamental problem is that they are under resourced and underfunded”, says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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