Car thefts prompt police warning about security
Police are reminding Horowhenua residents to secure their cars after a spike in vehicle-related crime in the wider region this year.
Since the beginning of 2022, more than 100 vehicles have been stolen in Horowhenua — a rate of almost one a day.
A spokesperson for police said they believe a number of these thefts can be attributed to a comparatively small number of offenders.
“Police are committed to actively investigating vehicle theft and holding offenders to account. However, police cannot be everywhere at once and cannot deter opportunistic thieves on our own,” the statement said.
Police were urging people to take measures in order to prevent their car being stolen in the first place.
“Police recover the vast majority of stolen cars, but they are often damaged, and the theft of a vehicle is not only disruptive but upsetting for many people. Ensuring your vehicle is secure will cost you much less and can help to avoid the distress and cost associated with car theft.
“Taking measures such as ensuring that when your car is unattended, it is locked and all valuable items are removed or concealed from view is important. If possible, park your vehicle in a garage, but if it must be parked on the road, try to park in a welllit, busy area.
“There are also anti-theft devices that are available for trailers that will help prevent theft. By making your vehicle more challenging to steal, opportunistic thieves will be more likely to leave it alone.”
If you notice suspicious activity around cars, please contact police on 111 if it is happening, or 105 after the fact.