Hi everyone, I’d just like to take some time to offer some helpful tips for preventing ‘Vehicle Crime’ in our community. There are some really simple things we can do to deter and prevent vehicles from being broken into and stolen.

The top 10 vehicles that are targeted by New Zealand offenders are, Nissan Tiida, Toyota Aqua, Mazda Demio, Toyota MarkX, Toyota Vitz, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, and Mazda Familia.

If you’re the owner of one of these or any other vehicle, as a precaution, park it in the garage.  If that’s not practical, at least park it in your driveway, not on the roadside where offenders can have easy access to it. Get yourself a steering lock and make sure you use it.  If a potential offender sees that the vehicle has a steering lock, chances are they won’t pursue stealing it. 

If it’s not practical for you to get a steering lock, at least park your vehicle in front of another vehicle that is less likely to be targeted so that it’s not in an easy spot for the taking.

There are also the obvious things you can do like making sure your vehicle is locked and making sure you’ve removed all valuables from inside of it.

If you can install, or already have security cameras at your property, register them at www.communitycam.co.nz .  That way if needed you can upload relevant CCTV footage to the site so Police can then have simple and efficient access to it in order to help us in the investigation.

And lastly, to look out for each other.  Some of our locals have created street group chats to share information and support each other which I think is a great idea.  Remember to report any suspicious activity as it is occurring and keep yourself safe.

Senior Constable Lorraine Borrell

Franklin East Rural Community Constable