But he experienced vivid flashbacks and now avoids being in the party precinct alone. It has changed how I walk around Wellington and my perception of it. When I think about it, yeah, it is sad.
Business owners are fed up. Hamish Garrick catches a shoplifter a day in his Cuba Street shop. I ve had threats on my life, I ve had people punch me, charge me, swing at me, all sorts of stuff like that.
Teji Singh has managed a kebab shop on Courtenay Place for five years.
He says crime has always been a problem but the theft, vandalism and abuse is escalating.
Death threats, theft, serious assault: Police battle serious crime spike in Wellington Newshub 1 hour ago
A spike in crime in Wellington s central city is taking its toll.
Locals say they no longer feel safe walking the streets, and business owners in the city s party precinct are calling out for action before someone is killed.
Newshub joined police for an exclusive look at what they re dealing with while they patrol the streets of the capital on a Saturday night.
They run from arrest to arrest, trying to intervene before disaster strikes.
During Newshub s ride along, an elderly man was shoved to the ground just after 11pm.