Database to monitor crimes targeting Muslims

WELLINGTON: A nationwide database is being introduced to monitor crimes that target the Muslim community, as part of a scheme to shore up security at the country’s mosques and other Islamic buildings.

Former army major Abdul Lateef Smith is travelling to more than 60 locations throughout the country, assessing security and providing advice on precautions worshippers should take in the wake of the March 15 terrorist attacks.

He is now trying to get the Government on board.

Mr Smith, who’s also a member of the Federation of Islamic Associations, will work with police volunteers to assess security and ensure Islamic buildings are as safe as possible.

‘‘We’re rolling out a threepart security initiative but it’s not only security it’s wellbeing, it’s safety,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re conducting an assessment of each of our locations.’’

‘‘We’re introducing collective security measures which will include our own security people who will provide overwatch for us at all of our locations, and on top of that we’re assisting all of our community members by introducing them to safety measures that they need to consider.’’

He said as well as beefing up security infrastructure, information gathering and sharing will form an important part of the strategy. He hopes the new database will become an important tool for authorities to track where Muslim New Zealanders are being victimised.

The key to it working will be people reporting if they ever find themselves targeted because of their religion.

Mr Smith said they were open to sharing information with other religious groups, who were also reassessing security after what happened in Christchurch.