Stolen kayaks and bikes recovered

RETURNED: A kayak similar to the ones being stolen. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Thanks to the public, five stolen kayaks and several mountain bikes have been safely returned to their rightful owners.

Last week the Rotorua Daily Post reported adventure equipment had become hot property, with more than 30 mountain bikes and at least 10 kayaks stolen in Rotorua in recent weeks.

The police asked for the community's help in recovering the missing equipment, saying they were keen to hear from anyone who had seen a mountain bike or kayak out of place or had been offered a suspiciously cheap one for sale.

Rotorua area prevention manager Inspector Stu Nightingale said after this appeal police had received several calls from members of the public, including someone who had seen four cheap kayaks for sale of social media, which she thought was strange.

Mr Nightingale said from that tip police were able to recover five kayaks and make two arrests.

"We have also recovered a number of mountain bikes with the public's help, including one which is valued at $8000."

He said it was great when the community worked with the police.

"The incidents of theft seem to be occurring on a daily basis, it's unacceptable. The public need to become very intolerant. We look at them to be our extra eyes and ears and help recover property.

"It's the public's responsibility as much as ours to keep the community safe, we can't be everywhere all the time. We really rely on our community."

He said if residents hadn't joined a Neighbourhood Support group he would recommend doing so.

Anyone with information can contact Rotorua police on (07) 349 9400. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.