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Asian people unhappy at the level of crime in south Auckland are looking at setting up groups to protect themselves.
Three people of Asian descent have died in homicides in the south Auckland area in the past two weeks, and in at least one case, the shooting of liquor store owner Navtej Singh, there were criticisms of the emergency service response.
An Asian anti-crime group was set up three months ago in south Auckland and it is now taking a more proactive attitude.
"We are forming to protect our own people," member Peter Low told Radio New Zealand.
"If the police don't do it, we are going to do it ourselves. Simple as that."
The group said it would speak to police shortly and would take legal advice on what lawful action members could take.
Gary Hicks of the Sensible Sentencing Trust said the action should not be necessary.
"I know that there are groups setting up patrolling their own neighbourhoods now to try and stop criminal offending," he told Radio New Zealand.
"But I don't see why there is any need for anybody to patrol neighbourhoods in a country of only four million people if politicians can get it right."
Manukau Acting Mayor Gary Troup said it would be concerning if such groups were set up.
" Rather than creating vigilante groups and trying to distinguish isolated incidents we've really got to work together and make it work long-term."
An anti-crime demonstration was held in Manukau City on Saturday and a further demonstration is expected in the suburb of Botany Downs in two weeks.
- NZPA
