In Papatoetoe, over 200 business owners and concerned citizens gathered to demand stricter penalties for youth offenders following a recent, shocking incident of robbery.
The catalyst for this protest was a brutal attack on Gurdeep Singh, a 50-year-old jewellery store owner, who sustained a fractured skull during a robbery by teenagers at Pooja Jewellers on Kolmar Road on Sunday 23 June. This tragic event has not only deeply shaken the local community but has also ignited a fervent call for immediate governmental action.
Rajesh Goel, President of the Auckland Indian Retailers Association and the organizer of the protest, articulated widespread frustration with what many perceive as a lenient justice system. Goel sharply criticized the Government’s “catch and release” approach, arguing that it enables criminals to reoffend shortly after being apprehended. He emphasized the urgent need for legislative reforms that would enforce stricter consequences for young offenders, irrespective of their age or circumstances.
The protest served as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of those who feel neglected and vulnerable amidst rising violence targeting local businesses. Participants included shop owners who, in a show of solidarity, temporarily closed their doors during the protest. They expressed profound fear and frustration over repeated incidents of robbery and a pervasive sense of insecurity, despite diligently reporting crimes to law enforcement.
In response to the community’s outcry, the Government recently introduced measures aimed at addressing youth crime. These measures include tougher penalties and the possibility of sentencing repeat offenders to military-style boot camps. However, Rajesh Goel and other protesters argue that these measures have thus far failed to yield significant results, with crime rates continuing unabated. This ongoing situation has left business owners and residents alike feeling increasingly vulnerable and unprotected.The protest also underscored broader community anxieties about safety and the efficacy of law enforcement efforts. Dr Parmjeet Parmar, an ACT list MP who attended the protest, expressed solidarity with business owners and underscored the importance of ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making processes.
In the aftermath of the protest, Rajesh Goel announced plans for a 15-day hunger strike outside the Prime Minister’s electoral office, underscoring the community’s resolve to push for substantive reforms. This bold action reflects the depth of frustration and urgency felt by those directly impacted by crime in their neighbourhoods.
In a simultaneous effort to address these pressing concerns, Hospitality New Zealand partnered with the police to organize workshops aimed at enhancing safety measures for businesses. Steve Armitage, CEO of Hospitality New Zealand, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting businesses in navigating safety challenges and promoting secure environments for both staff and customers.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials highlighted their ongoing efforts to combat aggravated robberies, noting significant charges laid against offenders involved in such crimes. Despite these efforts, challenges persist in stemming the tide of youth crime, often rooted in the backgrounds of neglect, violence, and abuse among offenders. Though most business owners are of the view that why they should be paying price any failing in our social system. They work hard day and night and honestly to earn their livelihood, not to be beaten up mercilessly or looted by mobs of out of control and unruly criminals who have no fear of law.
The protest in Papatoetoe vividly illustrates a community united in its demand for immediate and decisive action to curb youth crime and enhance public safety. It reflects broader societal concerns over the effectiveness of current criminal justice policies in deterring repeat offenses and ensuring justice for victims. As stakeholders continue to advocate for change, the outcome of these efforts remains pivotal in shaping future policies and initiatives aimed at creating safer communities across New Zealand. -TIN Bureau