Government toughens trespassing laws
Photo:
RNZ / Mark Papalii
The maximum length of time someone can be trespassed from a business, as well as the maximum fines, are set to increase, under proposed changes announced by the government.
But how retailers will be supported to issue trespass notices is still to be worked through.
The proposed changes to the Trespass Act include:
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said before the legislation is introduced, the government would explore how best to support retailers when distributing notices to those who refused to engage.
He said New Zealand's trespass laws were no longer fit for purpose.
"They're difficult to enforce and often criminals take no notice. They return with impunity and just continue to rob businesses of their livelihoods."
The policy is the latest in a series of law and order announcements the government has made over the past week.
It also plans to introduce stronger penalties for shoplifting, increase maximum sentences for those who assault first responders or prison officers, and introduce legislation to make coward punching a specific offence.
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