Burgled seven times in a year

Phillipa Kemp's New Lynn home has been robbed seven times in just over a year. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A mother is planning to uproot her two children and leave her family home after being burgled seven times in just over a year.

Phillipa Kemp said the final straw came when she got home from work on Monday to find the back door jemmied open and her Christmas food gone from her freezer.

"I've got two deadbolts and a second deadlock, and the door had been crow-barred open," she said. "It's absolutely revolting. We have to move, we can't stay here any more."

Kemp said she had endured an "absolutely appalling year".

Her privately owned home in New Lynn, Auckland, was first burgled in November last year, then in January, July, twice in September, October and this week.

Thieves have stolen thousands of dollars worth of property, including three TVs, two DVD players, two computers, a PlayStation and games, an electric guitar and Kemp's grandmother's jewellery.

"Every time I go out and come home I think, 'I hope no one's broken in'. These people are freaks, scumbags. We're not comfortable living here."

Kemp has struggled to get insurance because she is a repeat victim. She finally arranged cover a month ago but was told future claims would be investigated fully before any money was paid out.

"I understand their concern, but to be burgled and then be investigated to make sure I'm legit - haven't we gone through enough?"

Kemp said the burglaries began when the property next door started operating as a boarding house.

New Lynn Sergeant Grant Watson said he was very concerned about Kemp's situation.

"It's terrible that someone feels that they have to move from their house because they are a victim of crime. It's a horrible situation. We do our best to try to prevent this sort of thing and bring offenders to justice, but sometimes we don't get the result and it's very frustrating for her and us."

Watson said police were in regular contact with Kemp and she had followed their advice on how to protect her property.

"Unfortunately with motivated offenders it is impossible to prevent everything from happening without making her home like Fort Knox."

Police were monitoring the boarding house, with the landlord's support.

"Obviously we need evidence, but we are following up some leads."

Watson said burglary was at the top of the priority list for West Auckland police, and extra resources had been dedicated to reducing the number of homes broken into.

Waitakere area commander Inspector Gary Davey, Police Minister Judith Collins and Kemp's electorate MP David Cunliffe were aware of her situation.

"I would hate to think that any of my constituents were at risk," said Cunliffe.

"The situation needs to be monitored. I don't have any legal powers and I don't think I can don a baton and charge in there. But I am keeping in close contact with police."

There were 60,878 burglaries in New Zealand in the year ending June 30, up from 57,385 in the previous 12 months.

Collins said the Government would fund an extra 600 police officers by the end of 2011, and that was the "best way to deter crime".

* Prevent a burglary

The holiday season is traditionally a boom time for burglars. Police say people can reduce the chances of being broken into by following a few simple tips.

Don't leave empty boxes from Christmas presents outside. They can alert burglars to new and valuable equipment.

Arrange for mail and newspaper to be stopped or collected by a neighbour.

Hide valuables, financial documents and spare keys.

Use timers on lights and radios to make it appear as if someone is home.

Don't mention on your answerphone machine that you are away.

Get someone to make regular checks on your home.

For more information visit www.police.govt.nz

- HERALD ON SUNDAY