Hamilton’s Justice League meets
Most people in our city have been impacted by crime in some way.
A few years ago, while living on Tramway Road, Enderley, my family and I were robbed at 10am on a fine Saturday morning. A woman was walking her dog and thought something didn’t look right.
She knocked on the door while the burglary was taking place, only to be told by five young guys that they were undertaking renovations. She contacted the police and fortunately the young men were apprehended.
However, compared to many others, my family got off lightly. I am constantly hearing about burglaries, armed robberies, assaults and intimidation across Hamilton city.
This Government will recruit 1800 police over the next three years in order to make our communities safer. Police funding has been frozen since 2010, so this investment will make a positive impact.
Keep an eye on the Government’s first budget, due May 17, for more details. At the same time, we also know there is a bigger picture: that’s why we are giving greater attention to mental health and addiction services, and stepping up efforts to tackle homelessness.
We are also providing opportunity for a greater level of engagement in education. While our hard-working, passionate police force do a wonderful job, it’s important that we as residents partner with them.
As a community, we have power and influence over our own safety.
Two key areas are getting to know our neighbours and taking necessary precautions, such as clearing the mail and mowing the lawns of our neighbours when they are away.
New Zealanders are sociable and friendly by nature, and it’s important we maintain this. However, crime prevention is important too.
I recently met with Tess Casey, chief executive of Neighbourhood Support. Organisations like this are a great opportunity for us to work collaboratively. I encourage people to get involved in Neighbourhood Support and other similar groups.
Tonight, at 7pm, at Rototuna High School, Hamilton city councillor James Casson and I are hosting a public community meeting to talk about how we can work together as communities to deal with issues of crime.
This is a Hamilton-wide meeting, everyone is welcome. Along with members of the public, also in attendance will be business owners, New Zealand Police, Members of Parliament (from a range of parties), security professionals, Neighbourhood Support, HCC City Safe and various community groups.
A message will also be presented on behalf of Stuart Nash, Minister of Police. This meeting will provide a public forum to discuss the ongoing crime issues in Hamilton, and the potential solutions that are being discussed, promised and currently underway.
We will also be provided with information on how communities can work together to improve safety in their neighbourhoods. This event will be live-streamed on facebook.com/jamiestrangemp
-Jamie Strange is a Labour Party listMPin Hamilton.
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