Whangarei burglaries

Northland District Headquarters
88 Cameron Street, Whangärei
Friday July 4, 2014

Criminals look for "easy pickings", so don't give them the opportunity.

In the last week there have been a number of burglaries and incidents of stolen vehicles where the owners have not secured their property or locked their cars.

Whangärei/Kaipara Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe says in two incidents cars were left on driveways with the keys still in the ignition.

There were also about 20 properties burgled around Whangärei in the last week and five of those had not been secured.

"Criminals look for easy pickings, so you are more likely to get burgled or have your car stolen or items stolen from your car if you leave everything unlocked."

Mr Metcalfe says people need to call 111 rather than the local police station if they notice any suspicious activity, so police can respond immediately to stop crime before it happens.

"We don't want to arrive to find a person's house has already been burgled or their car stolen."

Mr Metcalfe says police have noticed that there have been increases in burglary during the months of June and July and urges people to more aware of dishonesty crime and take all precautions to prevent it.

"Police are also taking action through deploying staff, such as the Area Prevention Team, to high risk areas and treating any calls to suspicious activity with urgency."

Mr Metcalfe says police also carry out bail checks on dishonesty offenders to ensure they don't re-offend.

Here is some information to reduce the risk of burglaries:

* Lock your doors, windows, sheds, garages, if necessary padlock farm sheds.
* Communicate with your neighbours: they can keep an eye on your address.
* If you're on holiday, arrange for someone to collect your mail and to mow lawns.
* Install sensor lights/alarms
* Remove keys from vehicles. Close access gates
* Note down suspicious registrations - often burglars will scope out an address first.
* Keep valuables out of sight.
* Record all serial numbers and photograph expensive or significant items.

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