"Police News Alert Issued *** 4:10pm, 15th January 2014***"

New Plymouth Police are appealing for help from the public after a spate of commercial burglaries at building sites in the past two weeks as well as the Stihl tool shop on Molesworth Street which was burgled in the early hours of this morning.

Since Christmas, four commercial building sites have been targeted in the New Plymouth CBD and power tools taken. The Stihl shop burglary occurred just after 1am this morning when its alarm was activated.

"Entry was gained into the shop after a large front window was smashed and a significant number of power tools were taken. Given what's been taken from the shop we believe there was more than one offender and a getaway vehicle involved," says Detective Sergeant Gerard Bouterey.

Officers are making area inquiries and sourcing CCTV footage from neighbouring shops in the hope that the offenders will be captured on the footage.

"Police need your help in identifying who these offenders are and the location of the stolen tools. We want to speak to anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity between 12:45am and 1:15am this morning in the Molesworth Street area.

Police are reviewing the burglaries to identify if there are any similarities between them.

"If anyone is offered cheap power tools or know where some of the stolen tools are please contact Police," says Detective Sergeant Bouterey.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Bouterey on (06) 215 4141. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

© Scoop Media