Residents urged to report suspicious activity in Whangarei suburbs

Police are urging residents in some Whangarei suburbs to keep their properties secure and report suspicious activity after a number of burglaries in the area.

Since June this year there has been an increase in burglaries and vehicle crime in Kensington, Tikipunga and Otangarei.
Police are increasing their visibility in these suburbs in an effort to prevent these crimes.

Acting Whangarei/Kaipara Area Prevention Manager Sergeant Stephanie Hudson says residents can also help prevent burglaries and vehicle crime, such as theft ex-car and unlawful taking, by keeping their properties secure and cars locked.

“Make sure all doors and windows of your houses are locked when you are away, even if it’s just for a few hours or minutes.

Also if you’re in the backyard lock your doors and windows as criminals will take any opportunity presented to them.”

Ms Hudson says if residents are going on holiday they should get their neighbours to keep any eye on their properties, collect mail, and mow the lawns.
“Lock your vehicles, even when parked in driveways or garages and don’t leave any valuables in view.”

Residents should also report any suspicious activity to police immediately by calling 111.
“Take note of people’s description and what they are wearing.

Also take note of any suspicious vehicles, their model, make, colour and registration number.”

Here are some further tips on preventing burglary and vehicle crime:

* 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.
The SNAP website (www.snap.org.nz) is a good way to record all your possessions.

Operation SNAP (Serial Number Action Partnership) is an initiative of the New Zealand Police, aiming to prevent New Zealand burglary and property offending, and make it harder for criminals to sell stolen goods in New Zealand.

The initiative helps to protect property in a number of ways.

The SNAP website (http://www.snap.org.nz) allows you to enter and maintain details of all of your important possessions or assets.

You can then access this asset list from anywhere, anytime.

If your items are stolen, you can instantly retrieve your asset list details, and forward these on to the Police and your insurance company

ENDS

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