22 November 2013
Message from Counties Manukau Police District Commander Superintendent John Tims – Don’t let your valuables become a target for thieves
Christmas is only five weeks away and everyone is starting to think about Christmas shopping for their loved ones. You can have a positive experience while out and about in the lead up to Christmas. We are working really hard to lower the number of car break-ins and the amount of valuable items that are stolen from cars and we need help from the community to do this. If you’re parking your car in a car park or on the side of the road, do not leave things like laptops, cameras, wallets, iPods or satellite navigation systems in plain view. Either take these items with your or keep them…… well hidden in the boot. Try to park your car in a well populated and well lit area.
Investigations into a number of recent handbag snatching incidents are underway and there are some positive lines of inquiry. We advise you to try to use EFTPOS and credit cards when you do your shopping to avoid holding large amounts of cash. Additionally, hold your bag close to you and stick to well lit public areas when walking. Don’t leave your handbag unattended, especially in the supermarket. You should also take particular care when loading groceries into the car. Place your handbag inside the car, re-lock it, and then put the shopping bags in the boot.
Never leave your handbag unattended in a car and remember parking in busy areas reduces the opportunities for theft. With the Police and the community working together, we can ensure Counties Manukau becomes a safer place for everyone to live, work and visit. Make sure you call Police if you experience anything that concerns you in your neighbourhood.
Remember if you don’t feel comfortable talking to Police you can call Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any crime information. You should call Police or Crime stoppers with any information you have on crime, such as a suspicious person in your neighbourhood or someone you know who is in possession of stolen property.
Safer Communities Together
Superintendent John Tims
Counties Manukau District Commander
