Retailers get aggravated robbery package

gun, theft, crime, robberRetailers will get a $1.8m fund to help small high-risk businesses combat aggravated robberies.

Retail NZ has welcomed the Government’s ‘Aggravated Robbery Package’, noting that robberies are a real concern for retailers, particularly those operating in the small convenience store sector.

“These small stores, which often provide a valuable community service without the cashflow to invest in expensive security systems, have been increasingly targeted by aggressive and sometimes armed criminals seeking to make off with high value goods,” said Greg Harford, GM for public affairs, Retail NZ.

“Under the Government programme high risk stores will be able to apply for co-funding to install new security equipment such as alarms, fog cannon and other deterrence measures.”

Harford said such measures will discourage criminals and anti-social elements from undertaking their criminal acts.

“Overall, retail crime is a serious issue – costing the country around $1 billion a year. Aggravated robbery is particularly problematic because it puts the health and safety of business owners, employees and customers at risk. The funding announced today is a good start towards dealing with this, but dealing with the bigger picture of retail crime ultimately requires the public to recognise that all crime is unacceptable. We know that petty crime is a gateway to bigger, organised and aggravated crime, and we think it’s important that the Government and the Police also deal with petty criminals before their life of crime becomes aggravated.”

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