FAMILY PARTY
www.familyparty.org.nz
Family Party supports Asian anti-crime rally
5 July 08. Richard Lewis and Paul Adams joined around ten thousand concerned residents in a rally against crime held at
Botany Downs, organised by the Asian anti-crime Group.
“It was important to be amongst people who have been victims of mindless violence and who are uniting to say ‘enough is
enough.’ It’s a sad day when things get so bad that families are forced into the streets to demand action from a
Government that has clearly lost touch and is failing to protect our families,” said Mr Lewis.
A former South Auckland police sergeant, Mr Lewis says police lack staff and resources to effectively fight crime. He
says one of the strong themes coming through at the rally was that the justice system had become toothless and
offender-friendly.
“My experience was trying to police areas like Mangere, Manurewa and Otara with only one response unit per area, which
was often a futile exercise. Our police are doing their best but they desperately need more frontline staff and
resources. Our Courts also need stronger sentencing measures to restore confidence in the system. Proactively, building
stronger families around traditional values will lead to more young people venturing into society with an abiding sense
of responsibility and accountability towards their families and our communities,” he added.
ENDS