INDEPENDENT NEWS

Street crime rampant - just ask young NZ'ers

Published: Mon 6 Oct 2003 04:00 PM
Tony Ryall National Police Spokesman
6 October 2003
Street crime rampant - just ask young NZ'ers
Figures showing that young New Zealanders fear violent crime is running rampant and the drug problem is getting worse prove that Labour's lost its grip on law and order, says National's Police spokesman, Tony Ryall.
A Tower/NFO survey on 'What Worries New Zealanders' shows that 80% of 18-34 year olds believe the drug problem in New Zealand is growing and 78% say that violent crime is getting out of hand.
"These figures are staggering considering the Police Minister still insists he's got crime under control. It's called 'head in the sand', Mr Hawkins," says Tony Ryall.
"In the Minister's own city of Auckland, 85% of young people surveyed said the drug problem is getting worse. National's been telling the Government this for three years but George Hawkins has refused to listen.
"This latest survey clearly shows the worries of young New Zealanders count for little with the Police Minister.
"Greater Auckland is the street crime capital of New Zealand. Violence, car thefts and drug crimes are running riot, with police stretched to breaking point. P is out of control and many victims have given up reporting crimes.
"But what has Labour done?" asks Mr Ryall. "It's poured endless money into highway patrols and speed cameras, leaving the streets empty of cops.
"National says law and order will be the Government's downfall in Auckland.
"National will put more police on the beat and crack down on street crime. We will stop the focus on trifling traffic infringements and target the real core of crime, the violent, drug dealing gangs," says Mr Ryall.
Ends

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