A business owner in Auckland's CBD says locals need to back the police.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell led a public meeting to address increased crime rates last night, which grew strained at points.

Queens Arcade property manager Ian Wright says crime has been on the rise across the nation - but he's confident things are headed in the right direction.

"The whole system's gone too soft, the justice system needs a good look at - and all of those things are not going to change overnight."

LISTEN ABOVE