Stuart Nash says new recruits and gear will keep police on top of crime spike [Video]

New Police Minister Stuart Nash insists police have what they need to respond to every incident, as reported crime reaches a five-year-high.

National Party police spokesperson Mark Mitchell has criticised Labour over its record on crime, saying the Government has succeeded only in being able to change police ministers.

He highlighted a 39% rise in retail crime over the past year.

“Retail crime levels are going from bad to worse. In 2022, a startling 292 retail crime incidents were recorded every single day – up from 140 per day in 2018,” he said.

READ MORE: * Claims of cyclone crime spike a ‘political football’, cops at coalface say * Cyclone Gabrielle: Chris Hipkins denies outbreak of lawlessness in Hawke’s Bay * ‘What about us?’ Dairy owners say police crime prevention initiative ignores them

The latest police …