Attributable to Detective Sergeant Nick Poland:
Police investigating around 40 trailers stolen in Waitemata East this year have arrested two men in connection with the thefts and for other offending.
The trailers have been stolen from residential driveways, as well as petrol stations and other trailer hire outlets.
Yesterday (17 May) four search warrants were executed in relation to the operation across Tamaki Makaurau, with the assistance of Waitemata East and West Tactical Crime Units, and Auckland Police staff.
Inquiries to date have determined that there have been an extensive number of trailers registered as “homebuilt”. This appears to have been a loophole used by the offenders to effectively "re-birth” the stolen trailers. Some of these trailers have been sold online.
Trailer signage, VIN plates, and documentation were recovered at one of the search warrants.
Two men are due to appear in North Shore District Court on 20 May in relation to this offending.
A 42-year-old North Shore man has been charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, possession of utensils, receiving x3, and theft x2. A 39-year-old Auckland man faces theft, burglary, and drugs charges. Further charges may follow.
Police are making further inquiries into the trailer thefts, and would like to people across Auckland who have recently purchased a trailer know that Police may be in touch with you as part of these inquiries.
These thefts serve as a reminder to ensure your trailers are securely stored to limit the chances for opportunistic thieves.
It's also a reminder to take extra care when purchasing items online - if something seems too good to be true, it often is.
Unusual things to look out for include stickers, VIN plates, or mud guards being removed; no WOF; or if it's been recently re-registered.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre