Tauranga's proven strategy for reducing CBD crime

After concerns were raised about shoplifting to order and other anti social behaviour in town, the Council got to work on an initiative to make the inner city a safer space. The crime crackdown strategy has involved the appointment of a safety and engagement advisor to build relationships with retailers and hear their concerns. Some small businesses had been losing thousands of dollars worth of stock to organised gangs of shoplifters. Tauranga City Council Development and Partnerships General Manager Gareth Wallis says it's been a huge success, and that's backed up by Garth Mitchinson who owns the Life Pharmacy in the centre of town.