A $6 million Government retail crime prevention programme has arrived "a bit too late" for Bay store owners hit by thefts and ram raids.
But some say the assistance gives them hope.
Police Minister Poto Williams yesterday announced $6m from the Proceeds of Crime Fund would be investedin a police-managed crime prevention programme.
"This funding will enable police to work closely with vulnerable small retailers to identify effective and practical solutions based on the particular features of each location," Williams said.
Police will establish and manage the programme of funding, with work beginning in Auckland and expanding if required.
"Anything that can help people secure themselves from ram raiders has got to be a good thing but I have to say it's sort of like the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff," Campbell said.
"You can have all the cameras but there won't be any consequences and that's where the issue lies."
Campbell said he didn't believe all offenders needed to go to jail but that there needed to be more consequences for parents.
"Police work very hard. But then these kids walk out of court giving them the finger guns.
"Anything that can help people save businesses is a good thing but I say the devil's in the detail."
Rotorua Lakes Council deputy chief executive community wellbeing, Anaru Pewhairangi, said the programme was sure to be welcomed by businesses.
"[The] council already works closely with our police and we would be keen to understand more about the programme to see whether there is any way that we may be able to contribute to this locally."
Police and Tauranga City Council have also been approached for comment.