PM will announce something big on police numbers: Judith Collins, Minister of Police

- though the Minister was non-committal on when the major announcement will come

She was in Christchurch recently to attend an open forum organised by Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central, to address the issue of recent spike in aggravated robberies targeting dairies and liquor stores

Natu Rama, President of the city-based Indian Cultural and Social Club, who led a delegation of Indian shop-keepers at the workshop, was present at the forum along members from Community Patrols and the top brass of Canterbury Police. This included Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price, Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, Detective Inspector Tony Hill and Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper.

The top brass of Canterbury Police was in attendance too, along with members from Community Patrols. Seen here are (from left) Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, Detective Inspector Tony Hill and Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper.

During the forum Natu Rama suggested that confidence in Canterbury Police is really very low in the Indian community. “What else can you expect when the police arrives three days after the crime is reported. My community members have started thinking about taking the law in their own hands, which I absolutely oppose. But the police must also get their act together,” he said.

To this, Price replied, “I must assure everyone that we take instances of aggravated robberies very seriously, and I am happy to report that we have either solved the crime or monitoring the suspects in all cases of aggravated robberies that took place this year. Sometimes, it takes time for police to act because we have to prioritise while allocating resources. Moreover the latest spike in cases like these is fuelled by drug addiction and we already have a task force in place to nit it in the bud. Not for shoplifting, but for robberies, the police will definitely come.”

The Minister too added, “I understand the pain as I myself have been burgled three times in my life. But I must add that New Zealand is the fourth safest country in the world because of the very good work our police does. Latest survey shows that 76 percent of our population has confidence in police, which is the second best after nurses. Moreover, this Government is very tough on crime. That's why more convicts are behind bars and are staying there longer.”

Giving some tips to shop-keepers, dairy owners and liquor stores, on how to be safe, was Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper. “Don't put lots of signage on your shop windows; have ample lighting in your shop; put CCTV cameras; don't put lots of loose cash in the shop; and if possible, make sure there is more than one person behind the counter,” he informed.

The final word belonged to Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, who urged on the gathering to play their part in stopping the latest spike in robberies in and around Christchurch. “If you want to give any information without revealing your identity, please call 0800 555 111. Residents can also go to christchurch.getsready.net to connect with their neighbours and businesses. Also, visit Canterbury Police's social media outlets to keep up-to-date with any advisories.”

Judith Collins, Minister of Police, addressing the gathering; with her is Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central and Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price; In audience, seen are Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, Detective Inspector Tony Hill and Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper, members from Community Patrols, and Natu Rama, President of the city-based Indian Cultural and Social Club, with a delegation of shop-keepers; Also seen is George Clark, Managing Trustee of the Canterbury Migrants Centre.

In a nutshell: (what they said)

Judith Collins, Minister of Police

  • PM will make a big announcement on police numbers soon

  • New Zealand is the 4th safest country in the world

  • Latest survey shows that 76 percent of our population has confidence in Police, which is the second best after nurses

  • We are tough on crime

  • More convicts are behind bars and are staying there longer

  • I understand the pain as I myself have been burgled three times in my life

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price

  • We take all kinds of crimes very seriously

  • But have to prioritise while allocating resources

  • 2 percent of the offenders commit 20 percent of the crimes

  • So repeat offending is big

  • Latest spike is fueled by drug addiction

  • That's why we had set-up an offenders task force

  • We Police by consent, noy by force

  • People don't realise but we also do other stuff like keeping the roads safe and dealing with violent mental health patients

  • Family violence also takes up lot of our resources

  • Not for shoplifting, but for robberies, Police will definitely come

Acting Inspector Paul Reeves

  • If you want to give any information without revealing your identity, please call 0800 555 111

  • Residents can also go to christchurch.getsready.net to connect with their neighbours and businesses

  • Community has a big role to play in reducing crime

  • Also, visit Canterbury Police's social media outlets to keep up-to-date with any advisories

Detective Inspector Tony Hill

  • We have either solved the crime or monitoring the suspects in all cases of aggravated robberies that took place this year

  • We have a social media team which monitors if any stolen item comes up for sale

  • Please call 111 if you need any help from the Police

  • It's the best resource in time of need

Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper

  • Don't put lot of signage on your shop windows

  • It attracts criminals

  • Have ample lighting in your shop

  • Put CCTV cameras

  • Don't put lots of loose cash in the shop

  • If possible, make sure there is more than one person behind the counter

Business Crime Prevention tips (courtesy: New Zealand Police)

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