Street Watch: Thefts from cars increase
We have seen a rise in theft from motor vehicles. While police continue to patrol in hot locations that these thefts occur, we ask that members of the public give us a hand and lock their vehicles and also remove valuables.
Many of the reports we see are opportunists targeting unlocked vehicles. Items targeted are clothing, electronics and handbags.
Thefts from cars occurred at Heathcote St, Laughton St, Hinekura Ave, top of Rifle Range Road, Tamamutu St, top of Spa Rd, Rahui Rd, Aratiatia Rd. Burglaries There were eight burglaries over the last week with unsecured bicycles becoming a target. Incidents include:
Two bikes were stolen from a driveway over night
A garage was broken into with two bikes stolen and a car searched by offenders. The two burglaries and a couple of thefts from cars are all related. Some good work by police caught one youth fleeing the scene and police are investigating another three in connection to the incidents.
A recycling bin was used to try and gain access to a house from a window. The attempt was unsuccessful.
A truck was stolen. The truck was recovered the next day on Ohaaki Road.
Workshop broken into, alarm was triggered as soon as entry was made and offenders have left the scene. Nothing taken.
Rifle Range Road: Window open and offender has reached through and stolen a bag containing wallet and other personal items.
Rifle Range Road: Attempted burglary of an address where a window was left with jemmie marks.
Theft of Motor Vehicles
We have had two motor vehicles taken in the last seven days which have both been recovered. One mentioned above from a burglary and another vehicle was stolen from County Ave (Spa Park). This was recovered the next day approx 2.3 km down Off Highway Road. Interestingly some property from this vehicle was located at Aratiatia Dam on a track above the dam. Theft of Property These have been three incidents of shoplifting from Pak ‘n Save, one from Farmers and a petrol drive off.