Protect your cars, businesses
Insurance companies are warning business and car owners to take preventative measures as ramraid crimes rise.
There were 123 ramraids across Auckland last year, and this year there had already been 75 in the city as of last week. Businesses in Palmerston North, Hawke’s Bay and Christchurch had also been targeted.
NZI generalmanager Garry Taylor said Auckland had experienced an increase in ramraids and break-ins.
‘‘In Auckland we have also seen an increase in claims for stolen vehicles used in ramraids,’’ he said.
‘‘Many of our customers have been contacted by police in the early hours of the morning to let them know their stolen vehicle has been used in a ramraid.
‘‘Ramraids are disruptive at the best of times and for some of our customers, sadly, it can take a long time for their business to recover. Often there is significant damage to the building, on top of the loss of stock.’’
In some parts of the country, Covid-19 supply chain shortages had meant lead times to procure shopfront glass and tradespeople had increased, he said.
‘‘As well as having the right insurance, it’s important that shop owners also protect themselves through effective risk management and prevention to minimise the disruption to their business.’’
There were also day-to-day steps retailers could take to mitigate risks. Moving stock away out of sight, and taking the till drawer out to show it was empty could deter thieves.
Fog cannons, which fill a store with heavy, but harmless, fog in 10 to 20 seconds, were another effective defence, he said.
An AA Insurance spokesperson said when thieves carried out a ramraid, multiple stolen vehicles were often used.
‘‘This is because driving a vehicle into a storefront can damage the vehicle enough to render it immobile. A second or even third stolen vehicle can then be used by thieves tomake their getaway.’’
According to AA Insurance’s claims data, most stolen cars were manufactured more than 10 years ago, and thieves continue to target the easiest option, which generally meant vehicles without security features.