Attributable to Lower Hutt Sergeant Cameron Cross
With Summer fast approaching and daylight savings almost upon us police are reminding visitors to the local beaches, picnic and recreational areas to lock their vehicles.
Police cannot be everywhere at once and it is important that people put prevention measures in place to deter opportunistic thieves.
Sergeant Cam Cross says "People leave valuables in their car or leave their vehicle unlocked which gives offenders ample opportunity to take their belongings.
Prevention is key and a helpful motto to use is 'Lock or lose it, conceal it or remove it.'
Anyone that sees suspicious activity around vehicles can call Police on 111 if it happening or 105 after the fact.
It is important that every incident of theft from cars is reported to Police so that Police can appropriate resources effectively and aim to prevent more in the future.
Supplying video footage of the incident is also helpful to Police after the offence has taken place.
If Police can identify the person in that footage, Police will investigate and hold that offender to account.
In some cases, identification of the individual responsible is not always possible.
In past years, we have seen a number of dishonesty offences being committed in Belmont Regional Reserve, Eastbourne Beach, Days Bay Beach, Petone Beach and Percy's Reserve.
This is where prevention becomes key in such situations.
1.
Invest in a steering wheel lock to show thieves that you have security in place and make them less likely to target your vehicle.
2.
Put a prevention sticker on your windows or flashing LEDs on the dashboard.
3.
Always lock your car, even when you are parked in your own driveway.
4.
Avoid leaving valuables like laptops, mobile phones, GPS devices and wallets and purses in your car. If you have to leave them there, make sure they are out of sight.
5.
Try to park in well-lit areas if you park your car on the street overnight.
