Thefts and dishonesty crimes have been on the rise in rural areas of Central Hawke's Bay recently, according to police, who arrested four people over Waitangi weekend after they were allegedly found in a stolen vehicle with stolen property inside.
Sergeant Neil Baker said the stolen items, including aMinolta camera and camera bag and shearing equipment, were recovered after the vehicle and its occupants were located in the Te Hauke area, north of Waipukurau.
"The stolen vehicle was recovered with four occupants who are all facing a variety of dishonesty charges, and police believe that this property is more than likely to also be stolen from the same area," Baker said.
Two females, aged 24 and 33, and two males, 22 and 32, were arrested.
Baker said the items had been identified as being stolen during a burglary in Tod Rd in Otane over the long weekend, after the property owner contacted police.
"There has been an increase of dishonesty offending in rural areas around Central Hawke's Bay recently and police are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police immediately."
