Warning after spate of thefts

Items taken included motors, fuel tanks, batteries and fishing gear. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay Police are urging boat owners to be more security conscious after a run of thefts from boats parked on properties in Napier.

Police received a number of reports during the weekend claiming items were taken from boats that were parked at the Napier Sailing Club on West Quay and on properties in the Onekawa industrial area, Ahuriri and Greenmeadows.

However, when contacted by Hawke's Bay Today the Napier Sailing Club said they have had no reported thefts since November but suspected neighbouring properties may have been targeted.

Police said items taken included motors, fuel tanks, batteries and fishing gear. An outboard motor was also stolen from a boat in Kairakau Rd in Central Hawke's Bay.

Hawke's Bay prevention manager Inspector Andy Sloan said it was important that boat owners removed as much as they could from their boats while they were parked up.

"It's obvious that these thieves are targeting local boats and they will not hesitate to take anything that literally isn't tied down," he said.

"If you own a boat, make sure that you remove as many items as possible when it is not in use, otherwise you will be sending an open invitation to thieves.

Mr Sloan said thefts from boats are not unusual at this time of year as holidays approach.

"If you are offered any cheap boating gear such as motors, fuel tanks or batteries, please think twice about where it may have come from. It may seem like a bargain, but once again if it seems too good to be true, it's probably stolen."

If you are offered any cheap boat gear or if you know anything about the weekend thefts, contact Intel at HB Police on 06 831 0700.

Information can also be left anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.