Bay of Plenty orchards targeted by thieves for scrap metal

Police say it's important for growers and farmers to report thefts. Photo / RNZ, Carol Stiles

By Gianina Schwanecke of RNZ

Thieves have been targeting sheet metal from outbuildings and copper wires from frost fans as orchard thefts increase in Bay of Plenty.

Sergeant Mike Owens, of Te Puke, said that, since January, police had received almost 40 reports of burglaries.

“Items that get targeted are farm vehicles, equipment, tools, diesel from frost fans, other machinery, trailers, solar panels and, of course, the frost fans also have batteries attached to them as well.”

He said it was an unfortunately common experience for growers and farmers during the busy harvest season, when many might be travelling between sites or had additional people on-farm.

Taking preventative measures, such as storing equipment safely or out of view, was key to deterring such thefts.

“Generally, good locks, good security, makes it more difficult.

“Farmers and orchardists, being lovely rural people, will tend to leave keys in their vehicles or sheds and equipment unlocked.”

Some frost fans had been rigged with sensor lights and alarms, which acted as a good deterrent.

“I’ve seen footage where ... an alarm’s come on, deterred the thief, and off they’ve gone again.”

Police recently executed search warrants and recovered a large number of items, which they were in the process of returning to their owners.

Owens said it was important for growers and farmers to report such incidents to police.

It was also helpful to make note of any identifying features of items that might be targeted, which might help with recovery efforts.

- RNZ