Security firm wants New Zealanders armed

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AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- A New Zealand security firm is calling for New Zealanders to be armed in the wake of the shooting at a U.S. elementary school

Armaguard General Manager Damian Waters noted that since 2009 there have been six times as many attacks on New Zealand security vans and personnel than in Australia.

He added that 36 of his New Zealand cash-in-transit operations have been attacked during the same period, compared to six assaults in Australia, The New Zealand Herald reported.

"The question of whether the police or the cash-in-transit industry in New Zealand having the option of being licensed to carry weapons should be considered in a New Zealand context in terms of what is best for the safety of New Zealanders, "Waters said.

"In the interests of public safety we feel it is important to note New Zealand has a very high rate of armed robbery compared to our Australian operations, where both police and our guards are armed."