Expect to see increased Police patrols carrying out a significant operation cracking down on vehicle crime throughout Counties Manukau over the next two nights.
Police will be at motorway on-ramps, on main arterial routes across Counties Manukau, and in crime hotspot areas carrying out mandatory checks on commonly stolen vehicles.
Inspector Bruce O’Brien of Counties Manukau Police says car crime continues to be a major issue for the District. “In the last three months more than 900 vehicles were stolen in Counties Manukau. Our intelligence tells us that offenders involved with vehicle crime and burglaries are increasingly moving around the Auckland Metro Districts committing these offences. This operation aims to prevent the offending before it happens."
The operation will be led by the Counties Manukau District but with the support of Police staff from across Auckland. A large amount of bail checks will be carried out on offenders with known links to vehicle crime and burglary.
The type of cars most commonly targeted by thieves are the Mazda Demio and Atenza, followed by the Nissan Cefiro and Primera. Also targeted was the Toyota Hiace van and Subaru (Forester, Legacy, Impreza).
Inspector O’Brien says Police need the public’s help to reduce vehicle crime. “The best way you can protect yourself from being a target is preventing the crime from happening in the first place. Where possible, park your car inside your property rather than on the street or only park in well‐lit and busy locations. Purchasing a wheel lock is money well spent on the security of your vehicle.”
“We all have a role to play in reducing car crime – if we all do our bit to watch out for suspicious activity, we can make a big difference and significantly reduce the number of victims of crime in our community.”
Anyone with information on car crime can report information anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Shelley Nahr /Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
09 263 2702/ 021 595 562