Stolen? Mark it, get it back
They’re useful, valuable and easy to steal.
Power tool theft is becoming more common, and Massey Police have been running a free engraving initiative to help owners identify their tools if stolen.
Massey Police Sergeant Aron McKeown says when police find power tools at sites, they like to be able to give them back to their original owners but often can’t.
‘‘We’ve got a pile we can’t return to their owners because they haven’t been properly recorded,’’ he says.
To combat the issue, Massey Police organised the first event of its kind in the region - a free engraving service so owners can make their tools clearly identifiable.
The first event was held on March 16 where over 530 tools were engraved - usually with a driver licence number.
McKeown says whether it’s using a name, birth date or address - anything helps.
Spray paint can also help to make identifiers more obvious.
With all the construction work scheduled for the Upper Harbour region, McKeown says it’s timely to be holding the event at Hobsonville Point, which will have 4500 new homes once the area is complete.
He also points out all tools have unique serial numbers, which need to be recorded in case of loss or theft.
Free online asset lists can be compiled and stored at Snap.org.nz, an online platform known as the Serial Number Action Partnership (SNAP), an initiative of the New Zealand Police.
Another measure is synthetic DNA to label items.
The next event is at Hobsonville Point Water Park, Onekiritea Rd on March 23 from 2pm-7pm.