Keep your properties safe from thieves this summer

As we head into summer Northland Police are reminding people to keep their properties and equipment safe from thieves.

Far North Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard says the cannabis growing season will soon be upon us and criminals involved in growing the drugs often target quad bikes, chain saws, lawn mowers, tools and petrol cans, or any items that can be carried.

Ms Robilliard says thieves have also stolen outboard motors and boating equipment such as rods and reels, petrol cans and fishing gear from boats when they are parked on properties and even when they are moored at sea.

“Make sure you lock your sheds and garages.

Last summer there were a number of burglaries in rural areas where items were stolen from unlocked sheds and garages and boats.”

“Another problem is people leaving their cars unlocked on driveways, sometimes with valuables in view.

Thieves will canvas every property until they see an opportunity.

They are also very quick, so don’t make it easy for them.”

As well as locking houses, sheds, garages, and cars Ms Robilliard suggests people think about installing alarms and CCTV and having dogs on the property to warn off potential thieves.

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.

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