Mr Gillbanks said police searched properties daily for stolen property but were often unable to recover items or proceed with prosecution as the owners of the items could not be identified.
"We are often hamstrung by the complacency of New Zealanders who continue to make it easy for thieves to ply their trade.
"We need people to record the serial numbers of their property and to mark their other equipment for easy identification. www.snap.org.nz is a fantastically easy way to record serial numbers and gives individuals the opportunity to put photographs of their items and personalised markings on the site as well."
Police were "extremely concerned" at the number of trailers and tradespersons tools that were stolen annually across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato and police were aware how much those thefts affected the victims and their ability to work.
Mr Gillbanks said the stolen vehicle and trailer travelled up Paxton Rd and turned right on to Tara Rd before heading toward State Highway 2. It passed through the Baypark roundabout and the Welcome Bay State Highway 29 roundabout at just before midnight. It was heading towards Oropi but may have continued on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range into the Waikato region, Mr Gillbanks said.
Police would particularly like to talk with the occupants of a white utility that the vehicles passed near the Gull Service Station on Parton Rd at 11.35pm, and would also like to talk to the occupants of a silver vehicle that was followed by the suspect vehicle through the Welcome Bay roundabout.
- Any information in relation to this particular incident or any other incident can be given anonymously at your local police station or through CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.