"Invercargill Police investigating a number of shed burglaries and thefts from cars "

Please attribute to Acting Sergeant Dougall Henderson of Invercargill Police:

Burglars have targeted unlocked cars in driveways and open garages and sheds in the back of properties over the past few days.

A large number of these burglaries have occurred in the evenings when residents are home throughout the wider Invercargill city area.

As there is no day-light savings now, it’s dark earlier and the opportunities are greater for thieves.

Police will continue to work hard to prevent, respond, investigate and resolve burglaries, but we can’t do it alone.

So, we want to give reminder that anyone can take steps to protect property and vehicles in order to help avoid becoming a victim of crime.

For people who stay at home during the day it is particularly important to be aware of suspicious or unknown people in and around your residence. Our experience is that often these people are looking for an opportunity to steal. Please keep items of monetary or sentimental value secure as thieves are opportunistic and will target these items in your homes, garages or in your unlocked car parked in your drive-way.

Always be alert of what’s happening around you and please ensure you report any suspicious behaviour to Police. Dial 111 immediately if you see someone breaking into your neighbour’s house or car or acting suspiciously nearby.

With a few simple things, you can make sure your home is secure when you are out for the weekend. Check out this list of advice and read a few simple things you can do to make your home intruder-safe:
· Lock your car and your garage.
· Keep the doors locked, even when you are at home
· Keep your spare key in a safe place.
· Generally, the more expensive the lock, the more effective it will be
· Consider installing burglar alarms
· Sensor lights act as a deterrent.

You can find more advice on the Police website www.police.govt.nz

Police and Victim Support work closely together to ensure support mechanisms are in place to help deal with the harm and impact caused by crime.

Police also works closely with other agencies and organisations – for example, SNAP and CrimeStoppers – and is always looking for opportunities and new ideas to help tackle crimes like burglary.

We want to hear from anyone who may have information which can assist our investigations into burglaries and want to reassure the community that we take these cases seriously and any burglary incidents reported to Police will be thoroughly investigated.

Police are asking anybody who has any information, noticed anything suspicious in the area or has been approached to purchase jewellery or similar items, to contact Acting Sergeant Dougall Henderson at the Invercargill Police or CrimeStoppers 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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