Media Statement
For immediate release
Friday, 6 June, 2003
Alexander backs pawnbroker Bill
United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander today backed the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Bill, saying
that anything that made it more difficult for criminals to on-sell their ill-gotten gains was good for New Zealand.
The Bill would force dealers to confirm the identity and record the contact details of people selling second-hand items.
"It's a very simple step, but it makes life that bit more difficult for those who steal from others for profit - and
that is a huge industry in this country," Mr Alexander said.
The Bill would also increase non-compliance penalties and improve police access to dealers' records.
"Again, simple but important steps.
"Burglary has reached epidemic levels in this country, and the police appear to have all but lost the battle, to the
point where people these days ask if it's even worth reporting a break-in at their house, so low are their expectations
that it will be solved and their property returned.
"This Bill is a step in the right direction," Mr Alexander said.
Ends.