Police work to fight thefts in Havelock North

Inspector Dean Clifford is encouraging Havelock North residents to report burglaries /Photo File

Hawke's Bay Police are working hard to help prevent and solve burglaries that occur in Havelock North and surrounding areas.

The message comes after Havelock North business owner Andrew McDonald spoke out after being burgled three times in two months.

"This is the new norm and people need to know about it, people need to take notice of what's going on."

"They need to communicate with their neighbours and peers to raise awareness and make sure that their community is safe," he said.

Police Eastern District Prevention Manager Inspector Dean Clifford said police were continuing to monitor the events on any given day and they understood the distress the incidents could cause victims.

McDonald's business was broken into on July 1, with a number of goods taken from his shop.

Thanks to CCTV footage, he was able to get a good look at the offender, as well as the number plate of his vehicle, and police were able to make an arrest.

However, McDonald did not get his goods back.

Clifford said a 43-year-old man was due in court on Wednesday on a burglary charge as well as a number of other unrelated charges.

"We continue to investigate burglaries reported to us with the aim of holding offenders to account."

"Community policing officers are continuing to make contact with local business owners, particularly garages and service stations, to offer reassurance and prevention advice."

Clifford said any business owner who had concerns or wanted to speak to a police officer was encouraged to contact police.

"We strongly encourage anyone who is the victim of crime or who notices suspicious activity to please get in touch with police, so we can form a fuller picture of what's going on in our community."

Police Minister Stuart Nash said the police were under-resourced in Hawke's Bay.

"This is the reason why we are rolling out these 1800 front-line officers over the next three years - the Eastern District (which is ours) and the Northern District are the two priority areas, but we've just got to get more people trained."

"If you do see something suspicious or you're a victim of low level crime, don't think 'I'm not going to report it because the police are too busy'."

"Always report it, because often that's the piece of the jigsaw that's needed to complete the picture."