Vehicle crime at Hagley Park reduced following focus efforts

A recent focus from Police and our partners on theft from cars in the Hagley Park area has seen a significant reduction in offending.

Between 1 June 2016 and 1 June 2017, 130 vehicles were reported to Police as being interfered with or broken into in the Hagley Park area.

“Police recognised this was a problem which needed addressing and over recent months have been working in the area with our local partners, to establish more awareness of the issue with members of the public,” says Inspector Richard Bruce, Christchurch Metro Area Prevention Manager.

Since Police identified there was a problem in this area there has been crime prevention signage installed, Christchurch City Council Park Rangers and Parking Enforcement Officers have been conducting extra patrols in the area, Community Patrol NZ have been conducting patrols and Police have been working with Hagley Tennis Club and its’ members as they are a major user of the Riccarton Avenue Car Park.

As a result of these efforts, vehicle crime in the area between September and December 2017 reduced significantly, with just 15 vehicles being broken into across the four months.

“While this reduction in offending of this type is great news, we are still urging people to be vigilant and protect themselves from becoming a victim,” says Inspector Bruce.

“15 break-ins is a better figure than before, but it is still too high.

We want nobody returning to their vehicle to find it has been entered and things have been taken.

“Vehicles can be broken into within time frames as short as 20 minutes, while motorists are using the park and its facilities, so we really need people to be aware of this issue.”

There are some simple things you can do to help lessen your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle crime.

1. Always lock your vehicle and take your keys with you when you leave it, no matter how long you will be away from it.

2. Close all windows, including sunroofs.

3. Park in well-lit areas if possible.

4. Try not to leave valuables in your vehicle.

Opportunistic thieves could attempt to break in for something as small as loose change left in the centre console.

5. If you absolutely must leave valuables in your vehicle, make sure they are out of sight – but remember this is not as safe as removing them.

6. Consider installing an alarm and/or steering wheel lock to provide extra security.

7. Be vigilant – report any suspicious activity (that’s happening right now) to Police on 111.

If you have been a victim of vehicle crime, report it by ringing or visiting your local Police station as soon as possible.

“We urge everyone to remain vigilant to unusual or suspicious behaviour in and around carparks and across our community.

If something or someone doesn't seem quite right, we want to hear about it,” says Inspector Bruce.

“It’s also really important you let Police know if you are a victim of vehicle crime.

Having an accurate picture of crime in our communities helps us to determine where we focus our resources, and increases the likelihood offenders will be held to account.”

ENDS

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