Auckland businesses fear daylight smash and grabs are on the rise

An Auckland business owner is calling for funding for proactive community patrols in the aftermath of a smash and grab at a busy shopping centre, RNZ reports. “I feel that this is a sign that the justice system has lost control, youth crime is escalating, cross-agency social services are not operating effectively,” says Mt Albert Business Association member Catherine Goodwin. Meanwhile, workers and customers are reeling with anxiety and shock, Stuff adds, after a brazen daylight robbery yesterday. A group of up to eight people targeted Stewart Dawson’s jeweller in St Lukes mall, smashing glass cabinets and grabbing jewellery before fleeing