Thieving window washers target petrol station squeegees

Christchurch petrol stations are frustrated by a spate of forecourt squeegee thefts – and they believe young window washers are to blame.

Station staff have resorted to stowing window washing equipment indoors, engraving the handles and posting security footage images of the suspects in their windows to deter would-be thieves.

Police last year voiced concerns about an increase in the number of youths washing car windows at intersections across the city.

The Christchurch City Council is considering amending its public places bylaw that would outlaw the practice.

Stations reported up to 15 window washing youths at city intersections, including Buckleys Rd/ Linwood Ave and Moorhouse Ave/ Barbadoes St during peak-hour traffic. Thieves have targeted stations including Madras Mobil, Tuam Challenge and Z Linwood.

On Tuesday, Tuam Challenge manager Mike Collins chased two youths who tried to steal his squeegee about 3.30pm. Two boys with baseball caps on, aged 13 or 14, pulled up in the forecourt on scooters.

‘‘I thought they would pick it up and try to be funny. But they picked it up and ran.’’

Collins chased them down the road, but they disappeared into traffic.

He locks the squeegees inside the store from 2pm onwards.

Another service station manager, who did not want to be identified, said about 20 squeegees were stolen in the last month.

Each cost between $12 and $15. He kept squeegees inside the store.

‘‘It [theft] has become worse because of these kids,’’ he said.

It was obvious some window washers used stolen items, he claimed, as Z squeegees were orange, Challenge ones red and Mobil grey.

The youths worked together to steal, he claimed.

One would distract staff by asking to use the toilet and then complain there was no soap. When staff checked the bathrooms, a friend took a squeegee and ran off.

‘‘They’re just kids. We can’t do anything about it,’’ he said.

‘‘Their parents should be held responsible for their actions.’’

Council policy team leader Claire Bryant said the proposed bylaw would apply across Christchurch, to ensure window-washers in the central city would not set up shop elsewhere. ‘‘We would be thinking of a timeframe of having this bylaw in place by the middle of next year, if not earlier.’’

Sergeant Greg Hume encouraged petrol station owners to notify police about the thefts. ‘‘We’re interested in anti-social behaviour to crack down on. We need members of the public to report that.’’