Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Karley Hunt, Area Prevention Manager Taranaki:
Taranaki Police would like to remind you that sadly, dishonest offenders define “Christmas shopping” slightly differently to most people.
While Father Christmas is out collecting presents for you and your families over this festive time – thieves are out there looking for an easy steal.
There are some simple things you can do to help prevent these criminals ruining the holiday season for you and your family.
Thieves do not hesitate in skulking onto your driveways and property and into your unlocked sheds looking for an easy steal.
We understand that there is a common belief that because your cars are parked up your driveways and on your property they do not need to be locked or have valuables removed.
Sadly this is not the case as there are certain people out there looking for any opportunity just like this.
This is a friendly reminder to the Taranaki community to help stop these Christmas grinches in their tracks.
Please make sure you remove your wallets, fuel cards, tools, sunglasses and other valuables from your cars, even if they are parked out of sight.
Also, ensure you lock up your sheds – as tools and alcohol are often targeted at this time of year.
If you are going away for the holidays please make every effort to make it look like you are home.
This may mean speaking to your neighbours and getting their help to open and close curtains each day, clear the mailbox and perhaps turn the lights on and off.
Let’s all dedicate a bit of extra time to putting a few precautions in place this holiday season and helping to prevent ourselves becoming victims of crime over Christmas.
Stay safe Taranaki and have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre