Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the new infringement regime alongside Sunny Kaushal, chair of a ministerial advisory group on retail crime, in Auckland on Tuesday. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
The Indian business community has welcomed the government's new penalties aimed at cracking down on shoplifting and retail crime.
The community - which has long raised concerns about repeat thefts, violent incidents and lack of police response - hailed the proposed infringement regime and tougher sentencing.
Under the new rules, shoplifters could be fined up to $1000 on the spot.
Offenders caught stealing low-value goods might face a $500 penalty, while those taking items worth more than that could be stung with a $1000 infringement notice.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the changes in Auckland on Tuesday.
They are part of a broader overhaul of the Crimes Act, with legislation expected in Parliament later this year.
The maximum punishment for theft would also be hiked to one year in prison for goods worth $2000 or less, or up to seven years for more serious cases.
"Stealing is not okay," Goldsmith said.
"We're on the side of people who follow the law, do the right thing … and the retailers who are trying to make a buck without having stuff stolen from them."
Goldsmith said police would be able to issue fines either at the scene or later, once offenders have been identified on CCTV.
Police faced criticism earlier this year after RNZ revealed an internal memo suggesting lower-level retail crime - like shoplifting - would not be investigated.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers subsequently scrapped the directive, labelling it "confusing and unhelpful".
Sunny Kaushal is chair of a ministerial advisory group on retail crime. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
Sunny Kaushal, chair of the ministerial advisory group on retail crime, said the move was a long time coming.
"I'm very proud of the work we have done, and the ministerial advisory group is doing, because these are areas that have been neglected for too long," he said.
"I've been one of the victims of these crimes, and I understand what is happening on the ground," he said.
Kaushal acknowledged the ongoing resourcing challenges faced by police but said the police commissioner had assured him that retail crime was now a priority.
"He has put retail crime as a priority, and I understand he is allocating more resources," Kaushal said.
He also noted further reforms in the pipeline, including the use of facial recognition technology and tools to address antisocial behaviour.
"There's a series of reforms coming in, and we are on a mission," he said. "We're not going to give up, because we need our businesses and communities to feel safer."
Jithin Chittibomma is chairperson of the Sandringham Business Association. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Other members of the Indian business community also welcomed the announcement.
"I think this is something that will make perpetrators think twice before they go ahead and do it," said Jithin Chittibomma, chairperson of the Sandringham Business Association.
"These reforms are long overdue," he said. "We have advocated for this for a long time."
Jaspreet Kandhari, general secretary of the New Zealand Indian Business Association, said his members were relieved to see action being taken.
"The members of our association have welcomed these announcements," he said.
"We sincerely feel that the reforms will contribute meaningfully to reducing the crime statistics in the country."
However, he also raised concerns around police capacity.
"Due to the resourcing issues of the police, there might be delays in registering these crimes and issuing tickets," he said. "But an online system and proper education for retailers could help."
While the process had taken time, Kandhari said the direction was promising.
"It has taken too long, but we do realise that it is a long process," he said. "Still, this is a move in the right direction."
He also praised the ministerial advisory group's efforts.
Himanshu Parmar is also a member of the ministerial advisory group on retail crime. Photo: Supplied
Himanshu Parmar, who is also a member of the advisory group, said shoplifting was an ongoing issue.
"As a retailer who works on the shop floor about six days a week, I'm really pleased these announcements have come out," Parmar said.
"Shoplifting is a big problem," he said. "Ram raids and robberies have come down, but unfortunately it has shifted to systemic and mass-scale shoplifting."
Parmar acknowledged that legislation takes time, but said it was reassuring to see progress.
"At least we're making a start, and I'm glad that the ministers have listened to our concerns," he said.
Parmar was not overly concerned about some offenders avoiding fines.
"At least we're making a start and I'm glad that the ministers have listened to our concerns," he said.
"There'll always be people who are not going to pay fines, but they're going to face severe consequences."
Parmar also highlighted the importance of stronger penalties for violent or threatening behaviour.
"That's something I'm really pleased about, especially for small business owners who cannot afford security," he said.
