Act Party leader David Seymour says crime is on the rise in Auckland as hundreds of police are assigned to border duties in the region.
A screenshot of CCTV footage of a break-in at the dairy in Mt Eden. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
He said last night a dairy in the central Auckland suburb of Mount Eden that was raided recently was targeted again, along with the liquor store next door.
David Seymour . Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
"One police officer showed up. He told the owner there were no other officers available to join him. He asked a member of the public to look through the shop with him in case the offenders were still there.
"I have spoken to another dairy owner who was bashed with a tyre iron. There have also been reports of muggings and bashings in Newmarket," Seymour said.
One of the owners of a Mt Eden dairy that was raided recently said they were hit again this week.
She said her family want to raise awareness about crime rates getting worse, not better.
There have also been reports of muggings and bashings in Newmarket.
A response to a Parliamentary question revealed that 271 officers have been assigned to Auckland borders to date.
"Violent criminals know that with police off the beat they can carry out offences with less chance of being caught.
"The government needs to answer why it has taken police off the beat to stand at checkpoints. People in my community feel unsafe and lives are being put at risk."
Seymour said the Auckland border does not open until 15 December so the government needs to address the rise in crime urgently.