Monday, 9 June 2008

Media Release

Dick Quax shocked at level of violence

Manukau City Council Portfolio Leader for Community Safety, Dick Quax is urging members of the public to help the police in their hunt for those who robbed and gunned down the owner of the Riverton Liquor shop in Manurewa.

The owner, Mr Navtej Singh dies in Middlemore Hospital after being gunned down in his store.

“I am shocked and saddened by the degree of violence in our community. Mr Singh complied with all the demands of the gunman which is what the police advise when people are confronted in these dangerous situations”.

Cr Quax says that there has been a dangerous escalation in violence and the fact that thugs are prepared to use of guns to obtain a small amount of money and some alcohol is particularly disturbing.

“I am also concerned that there has been ongoing anti social behaviour in this area. The shops are tagged from the ground to the roof. The entire area looks like something out of South Central Los Angeles. Houses, power poles, fences, trees, the children’s playground, the skateboard park, the Post Office letter box and the public telephone boxes have all been vandalised’’.

“I have asked the Manukau Beautification Trust to get rid if the tagging in the area which will go some way towards regaining some community pride in the area”.

ENDS

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