"Please report all burglaries," asks Senior Constable Vaughan Lapslie at Papanui Police. "We need complaints to return goods and often make successful prosecutions," he says.
Last Wednesday after a chase through the city of a Subaru Legacy it was discovered to have proceeds of a burglary in the boot. This was a number of bottles of liquor, wrapped in an easily identifiable duvet, and also an old Sony video camera with tapes. But where have they been stolen from?
Police believe that many people often do not report burglaries as their insurance excess is often greater than the item's value. However when goods are recovered they can be part of charges against the offender and used to build up a more detailed case,
says Senior Constable Lapslie. Police also like to be able to return items, especially family and sentimental items, to the owners.
Papanui police are processing a large number of items recovered as the result of a warrant served on a Papanui address last week. This includes old and new jewellery, perfumes and large quantities of DVD's and videos. Constable John Groen says that a 20 year old male has been charged with thefts over the last six months.
John Groen needs to be able to identify where many of these goods have been stolen from and especially return personal jewellery items to the owners.
"We need all burglaries to be reported as soon as possible. Call us if you see something happening that looks suspicious too. Some people worry they are wasting our time, but you will never do that. If you are worried about your English we can arrange an interpreter," says Senior Constable Vaughan Lapslie.