National Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson
Asian communities want more police on the beat
Claims that an Asian student crimewave is sweeping the streets of Auckland have angered National's Ethnic Affairs
spokesperson, Pansy Wong.
"Asian communities, like all communities in Auckland, are concerned that police in our largest city are struggling
because they're seriously under-resourced and understaffed.
"The last thing Asians living here want is New Zealand to be seen as a soft touch for criminals. Asian communities have
long called for tougher sentencing and more police on the beat," says Mrs Wong.
She says it shouldn't be forgotten that Asian students are often the victims of crime.
"Whether the offenders are Asian or not, Asian communities still expect these people to be dealt with properly by our
police and justice system.
"The problem here is a police force in Auckland stretched to the limit trying to handle a staggering workload. All the
Government's come up with in the Budget is a few extra police that won't even replace the number of officers leaving the
force.
"I am still waiting for Labour to put resources into implementing the Auckland City District Police - Asian
Responsiveness Strategic Plan which was drawn up between the police and Asian community representatives 2 ½ years ago.
"Meanwhile, I have no hesitation accepting Senior Constable Steve Lamb's suggestion of patrolling Auckland streets with
police one evening to see first-hand what they are dealing with," says Mrs Wong.