This is a short summary of what I’ve done to alert various authorities after my car was broken into outside the Parnell Baths. I will also provide the various replies if there were any and rate them. Click any links to view the original correspondence.
Through my little crusade I also learnt that pretty much everyone I know was a victim of petty crime, burglary and car theft. The problem is that small crime left unattended would lead to bigger crime, sometime violent. After reviewing my communication with the various authorities, individuals and organizations, I think there is real reason for concern – most replies refer to the police’s responsibly in resolving these matters yet the police is clearly too busy to act on small crimes.
- I wrote to CLM, the pool management company. Replies (1 & 2) were prompt but didn’t solve the issue. They did offer to install signage, work with local police but say they can’t provide lockers or install security cameras in the car parks. I think this is a disaster waiting to happen – do we need a violent crime to happen there before security cameras are installed? What sort of fitness facility doesn’t provide free use of lockers?
- I wrote to Len Brown, Auckland’s Mayor, using the contact us form on the Auckland Council website as well as a hard copy letter sent to The Mayor’s Office, Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142. Reply was quick but unsatisfactory as it only suggested extra signage would be put in place so pool visitors wouldn’t leave valuables in their cars. - I wrote to John Key, Prime Minister, through a contact form on his website. I was hoping that Mr Key, as a Parnell resident and home owner, would attend to this personally. However, he decided to pass it on to Judith Collins, Minister Of Police who quickly acknowledged my letter.
- Judith Collins, Minister of Police, did write me back a long and detailed letter stating policies, policy workload, and facility responsibility regarding security cameras but I didn’t really find any real solution that would prevent theft from happening again.
- I wrote to Nikki Kaye, national MP for Auckland Central using a contact form on her website and a letter. I received many follow up calls from her assistants who were persistent in trying to get hold of me. However, Nikki couldn’t assist directly and suggested I talk to the local police. This is the sort of follow up I would expect. Nikki is excellent with her PR efforts and you can’t really miss her if you live around Ponsonby. But in this moment of truth, I didn’t really feel my local MP was fighting for me. (Note: After publishing this post Nikki called me directly and explained she has many similar issues to deal with and urged me to get in touch with Andrew Coster, Area Commander, Auckland City Central Police who was expecting my contact after her office made contact with him. I have written to Andrew and he quickly replied. I appreciate Nikki’s efforts regarding this).
- I also wrote to Jacinda Ardern, the local Labour party MP. I believe we sent a letter to her Ponsonby office address. I’m still waiting on a reply.
What can you do to help?
One person asking for a solution is hardly heard but hundreds of people can make an impact. If you have been a victim of what is defined as a small crime, please write a quick note and send it via an email or an online contact form to:
- The Mayor
- Your local MP – find their email addresses here.
- John Key, Prime Minister
If they have a twitter channel or a Facebook page, make sure you contact them there as well, share your problem and ask for a solution.
Make yourself heard. Demand change.
