The rampant rise in violent retail crimes, particularly ram raids, that has created a climate of fear and uncertainty over the past three or so years, continues unabated. This alarming trend is coupled with skyrocketing insurance premiums and expenditure on physical safety measures, making it increasingly difficult for small business owners to sustain their
operations.
Six months into his tenure as Police Minister, Mark Mitchell continues to face mounting public dissatisfaction over the state of law and order. At various public meetings, business owners have voiced their concerns and frustrations, asking the same pressing question: Why hasn’t the crime situation improved under his watch?
Minister Mitchell’s response has been consistent, if not predictable. He attributes the current crime peak to the policies of the previous Labour government, saying that such issues cannot be resolved overnight. “We’re not going to fix it in a few weeks. We are putting in place stronger legislative measures that we hope will eventually reduce crime,” he was quoted as saying during a recent meeting with retail shop owners in Manurewa, a suburb in southern Auckland.
This narrative has been Mitchell’s shield against criticism, but it raises a critical question: How long can he and his government continue to pin the blame on a previous government that has been out of power for over half a year? When asked about a timeline for visible results from his policies, Mitchell’s response was notably vague. “Well, I would have loved to fix [it] six months ago. The reality is, we are not going to turn it around overnight. It has taken six years to bake it in,” he told The Indian Weekender.
While it is true that systemic issues cannot be resolved instantaneously, continuous deflection of responsibility is not a sustainable or acceptable strategy. The public, especially those directly affected by the surge in retail crimes, deserve more concrete answers and actionable plans. Mitchell’s assertion that the previous government’s focus on reducing the prison population by 30 per cent and favouring alternative actions has exacerbated the crime situation may hold some truth. However, leadership demands accountability and proactive measures, not just retrospective critiques.
Mitchell has been at pains to say his efforts to ensure that police presence is more pronounced and that officers are focusing on their core duties. “[We are ensuring] they get back to basics… getting them out of some of the work they currently do so that they can work on their core role… so that when members of the public who put up their hand when
they genuinely need it, they get the help they want,” he explained.
While these initiatives are commendable, they are part of a long-term strategy that requires time to bear fruit. In the interim, small business owners continue to grapple with the immediate threats to their safety and livelihood. Although Mitchell pointed to “greenshoots” indicating a downward trend in crime statistics, the lived experiences of
many in our community tell a different story.
Recent government data shows a significant drop in ram raids, with 12 incidents reported in April 2024 compared to 64 in April 2023. The overall trend since the peak in August 2022, when there were 86 ram raids, suggests some improvement. Yet, the total number of 433 ram raids in 2022 and 288 in 2023 still paints a grim picture of the pervasive threat that retailers face.
Mitchell’s acknowledgment that “there’s a lot of work to do” is an understatement. For the business owners who face the daily threat of violent crimes, the assurance that crime rates are starting to trend down is little comfort. They need more immediate and tangible support measures, such as increased police patrols, quicker response times, and perhaps financial assistance for improved security infrastructure.
The government, voted into power on strong promises to tackle crime, must now deliver on those promises. The time for blaming predecessors is over. The focus should now be on swift, effective actions that provide relief and security to those who are most vulnerable.
The Indian Weekender will continue to hold those in power accountable, amplifying the voices of our community and advocating for the protection and prosperity of our small business owners.
First appeared in the 12 June edition of the Indian Weekender:
https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/columns/stop-blaming-previous-govt-take-action-now
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