Police target a new group of car thieves
Taupo¯ Police have identified people who they believe are behind a recent spate of car thefts.
The car theft trend was first noticed by Taupo Police three weeks ago, with vehicles parked on the roadside being broken into in an attempt to steal them.
Taupo¯ senior sergeant, Phil Edwards, said he believes the new offending was the result of a lone car thief or small group of offenders that had recently come to Taupo¯ .
The area that is being targeted includes Spa Road, Rifle Range Road, Heuheu Street, and Tongariro Street. The offending typically occurs between 11pm and 6am.
‘‘Geographically, this is a big block, however an offender or group of offenders can use the alleyways, back ways and reserves to travel without detection,’’ Edwards said.
Over the past few weeks, police have increased patrols in those areas and would continue to do so until the offenders were caughts.
‘‘Taupo¯ Community Patrols have also been briefed and deployed into this area,’’ he said.
‘‘Neighbourhood Support will also be informing their members within this area.’’
Edwards said one likely suspect has been identified and spoken to by a field intelligence officer.
‘‘Together we are working with two of our partner agencies, taking steps to mitigate the harm this individual could cause in the future,’’ he said.
‘‘As the investigation is still in progress around this offending, I am unable to comment further around this suspect and their associates, whom we are still trying to locate to speak with.’’
Police are hoping to stop the new crime trend altogether, but Edwards said they needed support from the Taupo¯ community.
‘‘If [you] see anyone hanging around vehicles and it looks out of place, call police on 111 so a response group member can come and check it out,’’ he said.
‘‘I would like to reach out to those people who are working between the hours of 11pm and 6am and are driving around our beautiful town.
‘‘You are likely to see these offenders, or someone that shouldn’t be where they are. A telephone call from you could be difference we are seeking.’’
You can give information anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.