"Police Urge Vigilance From Boat Owners"

Counties Manukau Police are advising boat owners to be vigilant as Pakuranga, Flat Bush, Dannemora and Manurewa have seen a trend of boats and trailers being stolen over the past month.

The offenders have cut through chains and padlocks to steal the boats, some of which have been valued at more than $50,000.

Inspector Bruce O’Brien says it is believed that the boats are targeted because the identity of a boat can be easily changed within a matter of hours.

“Boats are considered easy to strip down and sell for parts. We are working with resellers throughout the District to identify those who are stealing and attempting to sell the stolen boats and parts.

“Knowingly receiving stolen property is a crime,” says Inspector O’Brien. “We urge members of the public to remember that if you are approached with a deal that sounds too good to be true it probably is.”

Manurewa Police have located two boats that were stolen in January that had been stripped down to just a shell.

Enquiries are continuing to identify the offenders.

Witnesses have also noted a white ute of unknown make or model leaving two of the boat thefts in the Manurewa area this week.

Police ask boat owners to be vigilant and take appropriate measures to secure their boats including:

• Use high quality wheel clamps and trailer hitch locks
• If possible store the boat and trailer in a locked garage
• Keep the boat well inside your property
• If possible turn the tailer around so that it faces in rather than out towards the road
• Leave another vehicle parked in front of the trailer when possible
• Remove all portable electronic items and fishing equipment when the boat is not in use

“Anyone with information on stolen boats or have been offered cheap boating equipment or boats to purchase is asked to to come forward by contacting Police,” says Inspector O’Brien.

Anyone with information on the boat thefts or other stolen property should contact Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300. Information can be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We ask that any time you see someone acting suspiciously you call Police immediately on 111.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media