KEY POINTS:
Asian ethnic advisers in the Waitemata police district will today discuss community reactions to the recent South Auckland murders, in which all the victims were Asian.
The urgent meeting was called for by the police district commander.
Joanne Wang, 39, was killed after being hit by a vehicle carrying a person who snatched her handbag; Yang Yin Ping, 80, was fatally attacked in her Manurewa home; and Navtej Singh, 30, was shot during a robbery of his liquor store.
"We want to hear from our advisers what members of their communities are feeling, and if there is anything the police can do to help," said Raymond Wong, the district's police Asian liaison officer.
An ethnic crime scan is also being done by police intelligence to give officers a clearer picture of Asian offending and victimisation in the district, he said.
Police on the North Shore have introduced Asian-focused crime prevention initiatives, including officers visiting Asian businesses to give advice, and translating a crime prevention booklet into Asian languages.
On Wednesday, North Shore police ethnic liaison officer Min Lee circulated an email to reassure Asian community leaders.
"Please be rest assured that although the incidents in South Auckland are rare, police are still working hard to ensure the community is safe.
"The North Shore police have loaned staff to help with the South Auckland investigations ... We have retained sufficient staff to ensure local services can be maintained."
