Members of the public can expect to see an increased police presence in areas worst-hit by retail crime, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says.
It follows the stabbing death of Auckland dairy worker Janak Patel last Wednesday.
The 34-year-old was working at the Rose Cottage Superette in Sandringham when he allegedly confronted a man stealing from the store.
Police also confirmed it’s looking at changing their car chase policy because of a big increase in fleeing drivers. (Source: 1News)
His death sparked supporters to descend on the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister's electorate offices in Auckland and Wellington yesterday. Meanwhile, shops across the major city centres closed their doors for several hours in solidarity.
“Police recognise the concern the public is feeling after the homicide in Sandringham last week and the seriousness of crime affecting retail businesses,” Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said in a statement.
“We understand any incident that involves violence impacts the feelings of safety for business owners, families, friends and the wider community.”
There will be “increased foot and vehicle patrols in shopping precincts in areas where there has been an increased number of reports” in response to Patel's death and the heightened fears in the wider community, he said.
In addition, police will also be broadening Operation Cobalt, which targets gang-related crime, to “intensify efforts to target prolific offenders”.
“This includes those using stolen vehicles, and threats of violence with weapons to seriously impact people’s livelihoods and sense of safety,” he said.
Broken glass could be seen littering the inside of the business. (Source: 1News)
The operation had been due to end in December, but will now be extended into the new year.
It comes after the Government yesterday announced a multimillion-dollar package aimed at preventing retail crime.
Coster said while police are working alongside partner agencies to “try and address the drivers of this serious offending ... police’s role is very clear: we have an obligation to the community, and we will respond, investigate, apprehend, and hold people to account”.
Police pursuit policy changes
Coster also said the fleeing driver policy will be changed next year.
Since the last changes were introduced almost two years ago, there's been a decrease in the number of people killed during pursuits - but also "a significant increase in fleeing driver events and a significant decrease in the proportion of offenders identified", Coster said.
"We know there is a desire for change and a perception that offenders are more brazen and more willing to take risks with their driving behaviour. The revisions will bring us back to a more balanced position, while still prioritising the safety of officers and the public."
Police Minister Chris Hipkins said the Government has been "looking really closely at whether the penalties for people who drive off, who don't stop when asked to stop by Police, whether those penalties are sufficient".
And he agreed with Coster that choosing whether to pursue a fleeing car is "a very difficult balancing act".
"On the one hand they don't want fleeing drivers to get away and to get away with it," he said.
"On the other hand they also have to think about public safety."
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