Waikato Police investigating the attempted theft of fuel from a rural property near Morrinsville say the prompt arrest of an offender was largely due to the proactive security steps the farmer had taken.
Shift Manager, Senior Sergeant Andrew O’Reilly, of the Waikato District Command Centre said Police were called to a Starkey Rd property shortly after 2.10am today.
“The farmer’s security system had alerted him to something being amiss and when to investigate.
“He found a man walking around the area of his fuel pumps and when challenged the man claimed his car, a red Holden Commodore, had overheated and broken down. While the farmer went to check his fuel pump and contact Police he noticed a second man who was allegedly helping the first, check the radiator.”
Mr O’Reilly said the intruders then claimed they had lost their car keys and as Police arrived the offenders attempted to flee on foot.
“An 18-year-old Morrinsville man was arrested and admitted being on the property to steal fuel. He will appear in the Hamilton District Court today on two burglary charges and one of possessing an offensive weapon.
“A Police dog and handler tracked the second offender for some distance but this man, who has been identified, remains at large and staff are currently working to locate him.”
Mr O’Reilly said the steps taken by the farmer to protect his property allowed for the quick and accurate relaying of vital information to Police and enabled officers to respond in a timely manner.
“By their very nature farms are an attractive target for opportunistic burglars given their isolation and the likelihood of fuel, tools and vehicles being accessible.
“What we ask is that farmers don’t put themselves at risk but, as in the case here they relay information to us as quickly as possible. We ask people to consider securing things like fuel bowsers, install CCTV systems and even gate alarms. It’s about layering your defences to make your property a hard target for thieves, don’t put yourselves at risk and allow those trained in such things to apprehend the offenders.”
Rural crime Prevention
• Report it. Often rural crimes aren’t reported. Ring 111 for urgent matters or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 with information about crimes that you have heard about.
• Ensure boundary fences and gates are secure.
• Consider installing security lighting around implement sheds, milking sheds, farm houses.
• Make sure valuable items such as fuel, chainsaws, firearms and farm vehicles are secured when not in use.
• Make use of your neighbours to keep an eye on each other’s property. If going away for the holidays let them know, where possible have someone stay on the property and avoid placing messages on social media on your absence.
• Lock fuel bowsers and tanks to prevent thefts or damage.
• Consider installing gateway alarms or CCTV cameras to record any vehicles entering your property.
• Can you secure stock yards by locking gates on loading ramps?
• Take note of suspicious vehicles and advise the Police. Remember if something doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t.
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