Andrew Coster
Wellington, September 11, 2021
The New Zealand Police are urging the public to exercise some caution when receiving unverified information about the Lynn Mall attack (September 3, 2021, through social media platforms.
While the investigation into the horrific event is ongoing, Police have been made aware of some false information being shared on social platforms.
I would urge anyone who comes across this type of information to be aware that much of what is circulating on social media platforms, is either false or inaccurate.
It is natural for some communities to feel more exposed to negative views.
Police are working very hard with our community liaison staff to ensure local and ethnic communities feel well informed and supported.
The events at the (Countdown) Supermarket on September 3, 2021 were the actions of the deceased alone, whose views were not representative of any community, and we are not seeking anyone else.
Ethnic communities assured
I want to reassure our communities, including our ethnic communities, that we are doing everything we can to ensure their safety.
We are conducting high visibility reassurance patrols around places of worship and places where the number of people gathering may be larger than normal, such as at essential services.
We will be out and about in our communities ensuring people are and feel safe.
We have also been engaging with a number of ethnic community leaders.
Police want to encourage anyone who has been subjected to behaviour that puts them at risk, to contact Police.
People have an absolute right to feel safe going about their normal activities.
If you at any point feel unsafe call 111.
Andrew Coster is the Police Commissioner of New Zealand.
