Crime alert ahead of warmer months

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE approaching warmer months have prompted a series of messages from police around steps people should take to protect themselves from theft, burglary and car crime.

Tairawhiti police traditionally observe an increase in those types of crimes over the spring and summer months.

“The majority of offences are opportunistic, meaning that a would-be thief or burglar will enter a property or steal something if they find themselves in circumstances where it has been made easy for them,” said Detective Sergeant Danny Kirk.

“Things like a door or window that has been left open, or trailers without a locking device left in plain view.

“Being at home and leaving doors or windows open or unlocked will not stop an opportunistic thief or burglar coming into your home while you are outside or in another part of the house,” he said.

Police strongly recommend the use of lockable security screen doors, and security latches for windows, which can be purchased from hardware stores.

“It is very important, when considering how to secure your home, that you have a fire safety plan and your family can still get out of the house quickly in an emergency such as fire,” said Det Sgt Kirk.

More information about that can be found on the Fire and Emergency NZ website www.fireandemergency.nz

“The public can maintain a record of their own valuable items and serial numbers by going to www.snap.org.nz and logging in to a secure online portal.

“This way you won't lose the information if it is written on a piece of paper or stored in an electronic device which is also stolen,” he said.

“We encourage anyone who sees suspicious behaviour around their own or anyone else's property to call police on either 111 or 105.”