Matamata-Piako hit hard by summer thieves

It’s the busiest time of year for rural theft and this summer the Matamata-Piako District was slammed.

In the last seven weeks, nine rural properties were hit by thieves, taking off with farm vehicles, motorbikes, trailers, farm machinery and equipment.

Earlier this year FMG Insurance warned farmers January was when thieves set out to steal from rural properties and urged those living and working on the land to report crime as the traditional spike approaches.

FMG paid out $4.9m in burglary and theft claims made in the Waikato region for the past five years.

FMG said in 60 per cent of burglaries, entry was gained through an insecure window and if your neighbour had suffered a burglary recently, your chances of being burgled in the near future increase dramatically.

This season Morrinsville was hit hard by thieves and Matamata police prevention constable Aimee Searle said the location had a lot to do with the increase.

‘‘It’s closer to Hamilton . . . and that’s where a lot of our offenders come from,’’ she said.

Four quad bikes and one farm vehicle were stolen from rural properties along Matuku Rd, Tainui Rd, Pioneer Rd and two farms on Tahuna-Ohinewai Rd.

The offenders gained access through unlocked sheds and when the keys were left inside the vehicle.

Searle said police always expect a slight increase over summer. People are away, the days are warmer and longer, so it’s almost inevitable that there will be a spike.

‘‘Vehicles, bikes and tools are the favourites with our offenders and many of them help themselves to as much as they can while you are away, working or sleeping.’’

At a Te Aroha property, on Eastport Rd, a tandem trailer was stolen while the owners were away. The trailer was secured by a tractor bucket, but this was moved by the offender.

On No.1 Rd a Honda bike and 50 litre spray tank were taken from a cowshed. Despite CCTV which covers the driveway, police believe the offender came from somewhere on the farm.

A shed on Mowbray Rd in Matamata was entered and a motorbike stolen along with a chainsaw, diesel containers and more.

Searle said farm vehicles and motorbikes will always be targeted by thieves and burglars.

‘‘If you are living in or around any of these areas, please take the time to consider the security measures you have in place. The harder we make it for them, the less likely they are to succeed in helping themselves to our hardearned tools of the trade.’’

Searle said it’s important people call 111 if they see anything suspicious or 105 if it has already occurred.