Asian Anti-crime vigilante group draws 10,000 marchers in Auckland protest rally

Auckland, July 5 : As a mark of protest against the recent spate of crime against Asians, including the June 7 murder of liquor store owner Navtej Singh, more than 10,000 people took out a march in Auckland up to Ti Rakau Drive, with the procession stretching for 2.5 km.

The Asian Anti-crime Group was formed in Auckland three months ago in response to a spate of crimes against Asians.

Three people of Asian descent have died in homicides in Manukau City over the past month.

A week after Navtej Singh's gruesome murder, Yan Ping Yang (80) died after having been attacked by an intruder in her home three days earlier. Then, on June 16, Joanne Wang (39) was knocked down by a stolen vehicle in a shopping mall car park after her handbag was snatched. She later died in a hospital.

Asians feel they have been misled into thinking New Zealand is a safe place to live, said the anti-crime group. "We feel we have been misled by the Immigration Department. We are told New Zealand is clean, green and safe," stuff.co.nz quoted Asian Anti-crime Group supervisor Peter Low as saying.

"Clean and green - fine, but not safe," he added

The group aims to network with people who need urgent help and to share advice on personal safety and self-defence. Low said: "Crime is everywhere and rapidly growing among the Chinese community."

The Asian anti-crime group aims to be a voice for demanding tougher sentencing. A protest is being organised in Queen St for October. "We have had strong feedback that yes, it is time to protest," the Pakuranga resident says.

ANI