Northland District Headquarters
88 Cameron Street, Whangarei

June 17, 2014

Coastal burglaries update

Police are urging coastal and rural residents to call Police immediately if they see any suspicious activity following another burglary at a coastal address early this morning.

About 3am a Helena Bay resident woke up to find his neighbour had disturbed two men on his property. The men had parked an old white stationwagon nearby and taken a black and silver 20hp Mercury outboard motor, fishing gear, a petrol tank and two chainsaws. They had also taken a gas bottle, which had been connected to the outside of the neighbour's house.

The two offenders took off in the car after being disturbed.

This burglary follows on from several others in the Whangarei area recently including one at Whangaumu Bay, two at Oakura, two at Tutukaka, one at Helena Bay and two in the Maunu area of Whangarei.

Whangarei/Kaipara Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe says catching these offenders is a priority for police.

"I urge all residents in coastal and rural areas to call 111 as soon as they see any suspicious activity and we will send a police patrol car."

Mr Metcalfe says residents need to take down as much detail about vehicles and people in their area.

"It is also important that neighbours keep a good watch on each other's properties and that boats, quad bikes and any equipment are kept locked away. Don't make it easy for the thieves to steal your property."

The District Command Centre is also monitoring all calls relating to suspicious activity, so police can take immediate action.

ENDS

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