The People's Party is calling for more police, tougher penalties for criminals and better rehabilitation programmes to prevent re-offending.

Candidate Roshan Nauhria has addressed media at Mt Eden Prison, citing a survey the party commissioned that he says shows Aucklanders want the issue addressed no matter the cost.

LISTEN ABOVE: Roshan Nauhria spoke with Larry Williams

Nearly half of the 762 Aucklanders surveyed thought police numbers were a little bit low - and a quarter thought they're far too low.

When asked what else might fix the problem, over half said more jobs and lower unemployment, and just over 40 per cent wanted stiffer penalties.

Nauhria is promising he will get the ball rolling on these issues as soon as he is elected.

He said even if they have to borrow money as a government, whether it's one billion or two billion dollars - it'll save money in ten years time.