Police are urging the public to keep an eye out for motorbikes being ridden or sold in suspicious circumstances. The warning comes following the theft of more than $100,000 worth of motorcycles, predominantly trail and dirt bikes, from dealerships across Auckland, Waikato and parts of Northland over the past month.
Detectives investigating the spate of commercial burglaries say 29 bikes of various makes and models have been stolen, including Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Gas Gas and Kawasaki (pictures attached). On two occasions the offenders have specifically targeted motorbike clothing.
Police believe the motorbikes are being stolen for the purposes of joyriding. On several occasions the offenders have used stolen trucks to ram into the premises to gain entry and steal the bikes.
"While we've recovered seven of the stolen motorcycles and arrested two people for the burglary of a Huntly outlet, there are still a number of outstanding bikes" says Inspector Brett Batty, Waitemata Police.
"We're concerned about the number of young people who appear to be involved in this criminal behaviour, particularly because they're compromising their own and the safety of others by fleeing Police who are called to break-ins.
Inspector Batty is appealing for anyone with information about the burglaries to make contact with Police.
"Not only are these people robbing others of their legitimate livelihoods, they're then going on to potentially rob other innocent road users of their right to travel safely on our roads."
Anyone with information should contact Police in any of the affected districts or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Beth Bates/Waitemata Police
