A nationwide database is being rolled out 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 (NOT 40) locations up and down the country, assessing security and providing advice on precautions worshippers should take in the wake of the 15 March terrorist attacks.

He’s 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 three-part security initiative but it’s not only security it’s wellbeing, it’s safety. We’re conducting an assessment of each of our locations,” he said.

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.

As well as beefing up security infrastructure, he said 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.