Truck Batteries and Lawnmowers Targeted

Truck batteries, lawnmowers and other garden tools are being targeted in the latest crime trends identified by Counties Manukau Police.

Over the past four months, over 600 batteries have been stolen from trucks and construction machinery across the District. These batteries retail between $300-$400 each and can weigh up to 30kg. The offenders are committing burglaries overnight which are sometimes resulting in 20-30 batteries being stolen at once.

Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager Inspector Bruce O’Brien says the theft of these items cause disruption and financial implications for businesses that are targeted.

“Trucks or machinery often need a lot of expensive repair due to the way the batteries have been ripped out and stolen,” says Inspector O’Brien. “Sometimes fences are cut through and a significant amount of damage is being done to access these batteries. It is affecting these businesses and we are acting with urgency to find out who is stealing and trading these items.”

Police patrols through the Wiri industrial area have increased in an effort to reduce burglaries in the area and Police are working with companies to make sure they are taking every precaution to protect their valuable assets.

Police suspect the batteries are being broken down for scrap or being sold through another underground market.

“We are working in partnership with scrap metal dealers throughout the District to ensure that the stolen batteries are not sold through that market space. However we are looking to the community to assist us with any information they have about the trade of stolen property.”

Also throughout the District, lawnmowers and other garden and power tools are being stolen from residential properties. Police advise homeowners to ensure that gates and sheds are kept locked and tools and other items are put away when they are not being used.

“These items are hot commodities and we urge everyone to ensure their property is secured to reduce the risk of theft and burglary,” says Inspector O’Brien.

Police also urge owners of trucks and commercial vehicles to distinctly mark batteries, lawnmowers or any other valuable item with names or company logos to ensure they are easily identifyable.

Last week Police in Manurewa executed a search warrant at a residential address after receiving information about the trade of stolen goods from ten separate retailers across Auckland. As a result, $8,000 worth of stolen property was located and returned to businesses. A woman has since appeared in the Manukau District Court on multiple charges of receiving stolen property.

“Police actively target people who receive stolen property and urge members of public who are offered suspicious items to immediately report it to Police. Our work with second-hand dealers throughout Auckland is allowing us to target offenders and reduce the trade of stolen property and we value the cooperation of these stores.

“Knowingly receiving stolen property is a crime. 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. Anyone with information on stolen truck batteries, or lawnmowers or any other incident involving stolen property is asked to to come forward by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information on truck batteries or other stolen property should contact Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300. Suspicious activity should be reported to Police immediately on 111. Information can be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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