The Police Minister says he wants to see "police on the beat again" as several areas of Auckland including the central business district regularly face crime, violence and intimidation.
Robberies and burglaries have been an issue for business owners in Aotearoa's biggest city for several years, but now the Police have launched a special operation in an attempt to deal with issues around violence and intimidation at transport hubs in West Auckland.
Operation Haumaru will see uniformed officers patrolling certain bus stops and train stations to ensure commuters are safe.
It comes after several young people were arrested in the past two weeks for assaults and aggravated robberies in and around the New Lynn bus and train station.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell told AM on Thursday that New Zealanders have a right to feel safe and he wants to get more police officers out and about in the community.
"The reality of it is the country has been dealing with this (crime increase) for two or three years," Mitchell told AM newsreader Nicky Styris.
"Unfortunately, it is happening. It's something that society has thrown up at the moment, but the police I think have had a very strong response.
"Having [police] back out on the beat and highly visible is something that I asked the Commissioner as the incoming government, that can we get police back on the beat forming relationships with our shopkeepers and our retailers, gathering intelligence, knowing who is causing the problems in communities, being highly visible and giving public reassurance.
"There has been an over 50 percent increase in foot patrols in the Auckland CBD and around the country actually in the last six months," he said.
The Police will be partnering with Auckland Transport, Auckland One Rail, Auckland Council, Community Patrols New Zealand and the Tāmaki Makaurau Safety Patrol.
Mitchell said the visible police presence comes alongside the Government's other efforts to combat violent crime.
He said the exact number of police on the beat is an operational decision but he's been very clear with his expectations.
"My expectation has been very clear, I want to see police back out on the beat again, highly visible and building those relationships," he said.
"Every Kiwi deserves to access our public transport without being intimidated or attacked."
Mitchell also discussed crime in the CBD area and said that's why they have increased the police's presence in the area.
He added he would like to see a patrol base reopened in the downtown area as well.
Mitchell is meeting with Mayor Wayne Brown on Friday to discuss the issue.
Watch the full interview above.
