New Zealand joins multilateral talks on crime, security

New Zealand Justice Minister Judith Collins left for the United States on Friday for talks on international crime with her counterparts from Australia, Canada, the United States and Britain. Collins said the meeting built on a long history of cooperation between the countries on issues of law enforcement and security. "Globally we are more connected, with greater international travel and online trade and business," Collins said in a statement. "On the meeting agenda will be ways that our countries can work together to reduce the proliferation of cyber-crime, such as the sexual abuse of children online, identity theft and online fraud," she said. "By addressing these issues we not only protect our citizens but create opportunities to increase the benefits that growing legitimate trade, tourism and immigration offer." Collins said increased cooperation between nations on issues of law enforcement and security would help keep New Zealanders safe from international and transnational crime.