Unattended cars and boats targeted by thieves

PHOTO/FILE

Cars left unattended and parked boats have been targeted by thieves across Tauranga this week.

Three vehicles were stolen from where they had been parked at the roundabout of State Highway 36 and 29 at The Lakes.

Senior Sergeant Mark Pakes warned people parking for long periods near the intersection that the vehicles were being heavily targeted.

The warning spanned vehicles left right along all areas of the Route K expressway.

A work truck left unattended and unlocked in Ohauiti Rd was also stolen.

STOLEN CARS
Blue Kawasaki Ex motorcycle - A1AUN
Silver Toyota Corolla hatchback - ECT767
White Ford Ranger utility - GDR774
Grey Mitsubishi Pajero stationwagon - WN4424

Ohauiti and Welcome Bay had been subject to a number of burglaries in the past week.

Mr Pakes said boats and fishing gear were the main targets at the moment.

The thieves targeted the following areas:

James Cook Drive - an outside shed forced open to remove fishing rods and tools
Cheyne Rd - a boat parked on the driveway targeted and a number of fishing items taken.
Condor drive - an outboard motor taken off a boat also parked in a property.
Maungatapu Drive - an offender was disturbed trying to force open a back door. The offender has run off once he has been seen. No description was available.
Victory Street - a window forced with electronic items targeted.
Ohauiti Rd - appears to be a dispute amongst ex friends which has soured considerably.

"All of these offences are reported as more than likely, occurring in the hours of darkness and the timeframes provided for some is up to a three-day period," Mr Pakes said.

"My advice here would be to report any offence as soon as possible, as this allows us the best opportunity to gain forensic and witness evidence.

"If you have a boat, I would suggest at present to try and ensure it is out of sight from the road and/or remove any valuable items from it.

"One option is to park the boat near the family dog if you have one, near security lights if possible, or on an area that has stones or chip under the boat.

"The beauty of this is that offenders tell us that they don't like this type of set up as it creates too much noise when they walk on it."