Vigilance reminder after big spike in vehicle thefts

Last week was pretty busy for Taupō police.

Relieving response manager Acting Senior Sergeant Shane McNally says juvenile offending is really topical at the moment with kids riding motorbikes around Crown Park, and vehicles being stolen then dumped.

He says police are actively investigating reports of motorbike riding through Crown Park, home to Taupō Football Club and the town’s football fields.

McNally says 21 cars and or utes were stolen over the weekend, with the vehicles taken for a joy ride then dumped. The cars were stolen from all over Taupō town. He asks that people are vigilant about locking their vehicle, and to try to park in a welllit, secure area.

Police are seeking any information as to the identity of the group responsible and information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Last week the main demand for frontline staff was attending callouts to family harm. Mr McNally says police encourage anyone to call 111 if they hear anything of a concerning nature.

He says as a matter of course, police are alcohol breath testing every driver they stop.