[caption for the above picture: Judith Collins (middle), with Nicky Wagner and Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price]

- though the Minister was non-committal on when the major announcement will come

She was in Christchurch recently to attend an open forum organised by Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central, to address the issue of recent spike in aggravated robberies targeting dairies and liquor stores

Natu Rama, President of the city-based Indian Cultural and Social Club, who led a delegation of Indian shop-keepers at the workshop, was present at the forum along members from Community Patrols and the top brass of Canterbury Police. This included Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price, Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, Detective Inspector Tony Hill and Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper.

The top brass of Canterbury Police was in attendance too, along with members from Community Patrols. Seen here are (from left) Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, Detective Inspector Tony Hill and Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper.

During the forum Natu Rama suggested that confidence in Canterbury Police is really very low in the Indian community. “What else can you expect when the police arrives three days after the crime is reported. My community members have started thinking about taking the law in their own hands, which I absolutely oppose. But the police must also get their act together,” he said.

To this, Price replied, “I must assure everyone that we take instances of aggravated robberies very seriously, and I am happy to report that we have either solved the crime or monitoring the suspects in all cases of aggravated robberies that took place this year. Sometimes, it takes time for police to act because we have to prioritise while allocating resources. Moreover the latest spike in cases like these is fuelled by drug addiction and we already have a task force in place to nit it in the bud. Not for shoplifting, but for robberies, the police will definitely come.”

The Minister too added, “I understand the pain as I myself have been burgled three times in my life. But I must add that New Zealand is the fourth safest country in the world because of the very good work our police does. Latest survey shows that 76 percent of our population has confidence in police, which is the second best after nurses. Moreover, this Government is very tough on crime. That's why more convicts are behind bars and are staying there longer.”

Giving some tips to shop-keepers, dairy owners and liquor stores, on how to be safe, was Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper. “Don't put lots of signage on your shop windows; have ample lighting in your shop; put CCTV cameras; don't put lots of loose cash in the shop; and if possible, make sure there is more than one person behind the counter,” he informed.

The final word belonged to Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, who urged on the gathering to play their part in stopping the latest spike in robberies in and around Christchurch. “If you want to give any information without revealing your identity, please call 0800 555 111. Residents can also go to christchurch.getsready.net to connect with their neighbours and businesses. Also, visit Canterbury Police's social media outlets to keep up-to-date with any advisories.”

In a nutshell: (what they said)

Judith Collins, Minister of Police

PM will make a big announcement on police numbers soon
New Zealand is the 4th safest country in the world
Latest survey shows that 76 percent of our population has confidence in Police, which is the second best after nurses
We are tough on crime
More convicts are behind bars and are staying there longer
I understand the pain as I myself have been burgled three times in my life

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price

We take all kinds of crimes very seriously
But have to prioritise while allocating resources
2 percent of the offenders commit 20 percent of the crimes
So repeat offending is big
Latest spike is fueled by drug addiction
That's why we had set-up an offenders task force
We Police by consent, noy by force
People don't realise but we also do other stuff like keeping the roads safe and dealing with violent mental health patients
Family violence also takes up lot of our resources
Not for shoplifting, but for robberies, Police will definitely come

Acting Inspector Paul Reeves

If you want to give any information without revealing your identity, please call 0800 555 111
Residents can also go to christchurch.getsready.net to connect with their neighbours and businesses
Community has a big role to play in reducing crime
Also, visit Canterbury Police's social media outlets to keep up-to-date with any advisories

Detective Inspector Tony Hill

We have either solved the crime or monitoring the suspects in all cases of aggravated robberies that took place this year
We have a social media team which monitors if any stolen item comes up for sale
Please call 111 if you need any help from the Police
It's the best resource in time of need

Acting Superintendent Peter Cooper