An Invercargill-based service station owner has organised for the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime to speak with retailers in the city on Tuesday.
Manpreet Singh owns Challenge Lorneville and was a victim of burglary just two months ago, when offenders smashed through the front doors of his business.
Luckily the alarms went off and scared away the offenders so nothing was taken, but it left his staff traumatised when they arrived at work the next morning.
The burglary of the On the Spot Collingwood Foodcentre back in March made national news after staff hid in the chiller while offenders wielding a butchers knife and a screwdriver robbed the store - and then filmed it.
A recent Southland Business Chamber survey also showed that 38% of businesses reported impacts from crime or antisocial behaviour throughout the past year.
Police and retailers in the city have been working together to reduce retail crime in Invercargill over the past two years - including a prevention team offering advice.
Manpreet said he had been in touch with the chairman of the advisory group - Sunny Kaushal, who would be speaking at next week’s meeting.
The group was established in July last year and is behind the Government policy work - the team of five all has extensive experience across the retail sector.
The advisory group's mandate is to table proposed legislation for the Government to consider as part of its plan to restore law and order, including options on how security guards and business owners can better protect themselves.
The advisory group reports to the Minister of Justice and the Associate Minister of Justice on a quarterly basis.
Retailers in Invercargill are encouraged to attend next Tuesday’s meeting at 25 Don Street from 5:30-7pm, where they can meet local police, have an open discussion on retail crime, and find out more about legislative changes impacting the retail sector.
To RSVP or for any question, please contact Manpreet on 027 287 0477 or email him on [email protected]