July 27, 2022
Ram raids cry for help
Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha says the recent spate of ram raids is a symptom of households under extreme stress.
He says those apprehended by police have mostly been aged from 7 to 17, and common themes emerge – family harm, mental health, parental substance abuse, past criminal involvement, unemployment and financial strain in the household, and overcrowded or transient accommodation.
He told Radio Waatea talkback host Merepeka Raukawa Tait the young people would prefer a more normal life.
“You know if you were given the opportunity, given a bit of hope, what would that look like, so these kids came out and said we would like to be employed, we would like to have money coming into our households, we want to be protective of our whānau,” Mr Haumaha says.
He says real opportunities are needed to give the youth a pathway out of a life of crime.