Nelson Police are encouraging the community to take action to prevent becoming victims of crime and reduce the opportunity for criminals to offend.
Recently Police have attended a number of burglaries and thefts from insecure cars and homes.
"Around 40% of thefts from cars in Nelson Bays occur where the vehicle has been left unlocked with valuables visible in the car," said Sergeant Shane Miles.
"The Police focus is 'Prevention First', which means stopping crime before it happens.
"Police have had some good apprehensions over the holiday period, with a number of people currently before the courts for burglary and theft, but there a number of simple things the community can do to make it harder for offenders; one of these is secure your home and car."
Police would also like to see people making greater use of the website www.snap.org.nz.
This is a free online service were members of the public can create a secure account to record descriptions and serial numbers of their valuables which can later be accessed if the property is stolen and then entered into the Police data base.
"The chances of getting property back, or identifying the person who stole it, are greatly increased where the serial number of stolen property is provided to Police," Sergeant Miles said.
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Sergeant SHANE MILES
Tactical Section
Nelson Police Station
Telephone: (03) 546-3840
shane.miles@police.govt.nz