Police stats supplied to the Dairy and Business owners group showed that in 2023, 148,599 crimes were reported at retail locations. 

Kotahi te Whakaaro brings together government, non-government, and iwi daily to review cases of young people involved with Police in the preceding 24 hours. 

The approach is designed to prevent escalation into or through the youth justice system. 

Senior Sergeant Craig Clark, New Zealand Police District Services Co-ordinator, told Kerre Woodham that they take a prevention first way of working, making sure they’re addressing the underlying issues to stop people from entering the system. 

He said that sometimes government agencies need to step back and support community agencies to do the part they’re amazing at: engaging with people. 

LISTEN ABOVE