Hon. John Banks

Mayor of Auckland City

1 April 2010

Media Statement

Crime Statistics Shame Our Country

Auckland Mayor John Banks says crime statistics released today by Police are an embarrassment for our communities and country.

“The latest crime statistics shame this country and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation for good people going about their lawful endeavours, particularly in Counties Manukau.”

“We will never be a truly successful Super City as long as we host so much violence and neighbourhoods of chronic deprivation”.

Mayor Banks has praised Police and the Government for their efforts in cracking down on crime, but hopes a stronger focus will be put on the issue.

“While more new recruits into the Police will give some comfort to the people, it won’t really get on top of the epidemic.

“A dedicated multi-agency taskforce, well-resourced with skilled people and state of the art equipment is needed especially to crush the gangs and their evil drug trade.”

Mayor Banks says Auckland City has worked hard to address crime and that security and safety will be one of his main priorities as Mayor of the new Greater Auckland.

“While we have so many young people with their noses pressed up against the glass, without education and without hope then these frightening statistics will continue to escalate.

“Bringing all the relevant agencies together in the Mayoral Office, on a regular basis, to build a coalition that is empowered to tackle the unacceptable levels of crime head-on will be initiated in my first week in office.

“We cannot continue to have good folks living in a climate of fear as is the situation for far too many people at present in parts of Greater Auckland.”

ENDS

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