THE FAMILY PARTY
www.thefamilyparty.org.nz

PRESS STATEMENT FOR RELEASE

Labour lets crime pay in South Auckland

3 April 2008. The Family Party wants government to boost frontline police staff and resources in South Auckland based on abysmal crime resolution records.

Richard Lewis, a former South Auckland Police Sergeant, says a resolution rate of 10.8% for burglaries in South Auckland suggest police are undermanned and under resourced and criminals know they will get away scot-free.

“From my experience, the greatest deterrent for a burglar is knowing he is going to get caught. So when almost 90% of burglaries go unresolved it is clear that the deterrent factor for burglars is non-existent. Our police work tirelessly to fight crime but they can only do so much with the staff and resources they’re given. Government needs to get real about crime and equip the police to do their job,” says Mr Lewis.

Counties Manukau crime resolution rates (2007) included:

* Robbery: 36.2%
* Car Conversion: 21.8%
* Dishonesty: 30%
* Theft: 17.1%
* Property damage; 35.3%

“Our most effective approach to crime in this community is not in creating bureaucracy to analyse and talk about it, but in providing a greater presence of frontline staff on the ground. It is the greatest deterrent and enables the police to respond effectively. However, from a proactive viewpoint, government needs to look at policies that strengthen family structure, empower parents and set boundaries for children. Stronger families create safer communities. It’s not PC but it will work,” he added.

Richard Lewis will contest the Manukau East electorate in the 2008 General Election.

ENDS

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