Elderly Deserve More Protection From Criminal Offending

Criminals are targeting seniors in South Auckland but the Minister of Police is doing nothing about it, says New Zealand First Associate Spokesperson for Law and Order Asenati Lole-Taylor.

“The Minister of Police Anne Tolley conveniently played down misreporting of crime figures but she cannot ignore the severity of recent incidents within the Counties Manukau region.

“The Minister needs to provide reassurance to South Auckland residents, particularly seniors, that police have the resources and numbers to carry out their duties.

“Is the Minister able to swear that crime rates are down, even when every day we hear about robberies and assaults in our neighbourhoods?

“The Government should not be misleading New Zealanders.

“Constituents are calling my office on a regular basis. They are upset that a number of police stations have been closed and they are being told to ring to report incidents.

“The Government claims that stations were closed and police patrols increased, however many people say they do not feel safe.

“By denying the reality of crime in areas like Counties Manukau, the Government is putting unrealistic expectations on police to keep crime at bay.

“Freezing the police budget for five consecutive years is a clear sign of the Government’s neglect.

“New Zealand First takes crime seriously and our record speaks for itself. We increased Police strength by 1000 frontline officers, and 235 back office staff, in just three years.

“New Zealand First wants to see more resources given to police in order to ensure community safety,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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