“We also see a rise in stolen bag claims in December, often from busy malls, restaurants, parties and even beach parks where they get accidentally left behind,” Ferris said.
Car theft also increased significantly in the summer months, with the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Tiida, Toyota Aqua and Toyota Hilux being top targets.
Northland District prevention manager Dean Robinson said the region’s geography meant officers couldn’t be everywhere at the same time.
Officers were sent to places they could make the biggest difference.
Repeat victims, offenders and locations for crime types were usually identifiable, Robinson said.
“There’s a heck of a lot of science behind it.”
Police had to factor in a surge in the region’s population as holidaymakers travelled north and people returned home for the holidays.
Numbers spiked in holiday hotspots such as Bream Bay, Matapōuri, Paihia and Mangōnui.
Police had a detailed plan each summer to meet the increase in demand.
“There’s a period for a few weeks where we shorten staffing in some areas to increase the staffing in other areas,” Robinson said.
Robinson encouraged people to get to know their neighbours as a way to protect their property over summer.
“Tell them you’re going to be away for a few days and nobody’s supposed to be coming around.”
Robinson said people should think like a thief and take a look around their property.
Contrary to popular belief, the fortress approach could have the opposite effect.
“Making your house look like a fortress is actually supporting the opportunistic offender who’s actually trying to duck behind that six-foot fence,” Robinson said.
Sometimes putting a pair of shoes outside the door and leaving lights on was enough to deter thieves.
Whangārei District Council community safety officer David Palmer said CitySafe would be the “eyes and ears” for police in the city.
He said CitySafe, who patrol the inner city, would continue to support retailers impacted by the theft. They help follow the alleged offender until police arrive.
Robinson encouraged people to contact police in the event of a theft.
“You might be adding that final piece to the jigsaw about the person who’s walked out, turned left out the gate and is offending within a kilometre of their house.”
High on the police agenda this summer is also speed, seatbelts, drink and drug driving.
Robinson’s advice? Drive carefully, slow down and make sure you and the kids are buckled up.
“[I’ve] been in the police 36 and a bit years now, and there is nothing worse than going to the loved ones to tell them that their baby, their sibling, their parents have just been killed,” Robinson said.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
