Youths continue to harass

Three teenage boys have been harassing Gaurav Dewitt for past few months.

Gaurav Dewitt is not feeling any safer in his Maraenui takeaway shop.

A group of three teenage boys have been harassing Mr Dewitt over the past few months and he has had enough.

Mr Dewitt was visited by Maraenui ward councillor Maxine Boag last week after increasing fears for his safety.

"They are trying their best to help me."

Ms Boag told Mr Dewitt she would personally speak with the boys believed to be aged between 14 and 17.

"I just want them to understand the effect their behaviour has," Mr Dewitt said.

"She (Ms Boag) is going to arrange another meeting between her, myself and the local community leaders.

"Something needs to be done."

Maraenui ward councillor Maxine Boag has met with Mr Dewitt and the local Maori wardens to put a plan in place to ensure his safety.

"We want him to know he's not alone and that he is supported," Ms Boag said.

"We want to come up with a safety plan and make sure the wardens are keeping an eye on him."

She said a constructive conversation needs to take place within the community.

"It is a positive step, however we can't guarantee anything at this stage."

Mr Dewitt believes the responsibility lay with parents, police and central government to support these kids and help them break the cycle of bad behaviour.

They act like little gangsters and just don't care about police.

Gaurav Dewitt, Taste of the Island Takeaway owner

The three youths were again causing trouble over Labour Weekend, fighting right outside Mr Dewitt's shop, Taste of the Island Takeaway.

After the fight the boys pulled gang signs, swore and threatened that they would be back.

Police were called to the scene but no charges had been laid.

He said it "annoys him" that these boys show no respect towards authority. "They act like little gangsters and just don't care about police."

Mr Dewitt said the police presence in the area was not strong enough.

"There needs to be constant patrols, there are only two police officers next door and most of the time they stay inside."

He said they need to remain open past 3pm as that is when he has had the most trouble with the youths in the area.

"I close around 8pm and that's when they (the youth) are out in force."

He said a shop down the road was forced to close after the owner was allegedly assaulted by the same group of teenagers.