3 Jul 2012

Collins outlines plans to cut crime

3:33 pm on 3 July 2012

Justice Minister Judith Collins has outlined the Government's plans to drive down the levels of crime.

In Auckland on Tuesday, she detailed how the Government will achieve its target of cutting the crime rate by 15% in the next five years.

Alcohol is one of the key focus targets. Ms Collins announced an increase in treatment programmes and tighter restrictions to get alcohol licenses and promotion.

She also proposed a default closing time of 4am for bars across the country. However, she said any law change would allow for local authorities to amend hours.

Youth criminals and recidivist offenders will be given special attention in the next five years with earlier intervention and more rehabilitation programmes enforced.

Central Auckland will have a stronger policing presence at key times and a district victims manager will be appointed in each region to assist repeat victims.

There will be no extra funding or increases in policing numbers to meet the targets.