Police are urging the public to take extra precautions to keep their vehicles safe following a number of vehicle thefts in the Blenheim and Picton area recently.
From mid-March to early April, 47 vehicles have been broken into or interfered with. These incidents have primarily occurred outside residential addresses.
While any vehicle could be a target for an opportunistic thief, commonly stolen vehicles include older Nissan, Mazda, Toyota and Honda hatchback and sedans.
The vehicles are then often being used for joyriding and to commit further offences and harm in the community.
Police are committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible. However, Police cannot be everywhere at once and we cannot deter opportunistic thieves on our own.
Police urge vehicle owners to take the following preventative measures to make their vehicles less attractive for theft.
• Always lock your vehicle and take keys with you.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Install an alarm/immobiliser if your vehicle does not already have one.
• If possible, park your vehicle in a garage or driveway, but if you have to park on the road, try to park in a well-lit area.
‘Police continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour around vehicles immediately to Police on 111, or on 105 after the fact,’ said Sergeant Andrew Young.
‘Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 after the fact.’
Image credit: Sarmad Mughal
