Hawke’s Bay thefts surge: E-bikes, trailers targeted by thieves

• Police report a rise in e-bike and trailer thefts in Hawke’s Bay.
• Detective Sergeant Andrew Boyd advises securing e-bikes and engraving tools to deter thieves.
• Residents should report suspicious activity and secure valuables to prevent theft.

Police have received reports of thefts across Hawke’s Bay recently and are giving a timely reminder on how to make properties less attractive to opportunistic criminals.

In a statement, Detective Sergeant Andrew Boyd said police have seen a “definite rise” in the theft of e-bikes, which are high value, easily on-sold items. Boyd says extra care needs to be taken securing them.

“If you own an e-bike, please record its serial number, and store batteries and chargers separately to the bike so it’s less attractive to thieves.”

Another high commodity item for crooks is trailers.

These are also easily on-sold as they don’t have many identifying features and are easily reregistered.

Boyd recommends buying locks that prevent the trailer from being hitched and chaining it up to something sturdy when it is not in use.

If you’re after a great Christmas gift for a tradie, Boyd recommends an engraver as work tools and equipment are sought after by criminals.

“Etching your name into equipment can be a big help in the event it’s stolen.”

Boyd wants people to tell police if they’ve been targeted by criminals or suspicious activity.

“It’s not uncommon for thieves to work their way across neighbourhoods, and reporting those events means we get a better picture of where offenders are operating, and it gives us the chance to carry out patrols in the area.

“The best way to protect yourself from theft is to take valuable items and important documents out of your vehicle, lock your vehicles, install security cameras, get packages sent to occupied properties or work, and be smart when disposing of packaging – so passers-by can’t see if you’ve been buying expensive items.

“Thieves are lazy and will look for easy opportunities to steal,” points out Boyd.

“Importantly, call 111 if you see suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood – please don’t wait for a crime to be committed. The faster you tell us, the faster we can act. You could be helping us stop a criminal and preventing someone becoming a victim of crime.

“If it’s after the fact, please make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105.”