As summer holidays and Christmas approach, Waitemata Police encourage both tradies and homeowners to secure valuable tools and deter thieves.
January 2016 saw close to $200,000 worth of tools and trade equipment stolen in the Waitemata District, with some of these incidents able to be prevented by following some simple prevention steps.
Sergeant Nick Herd of Waitemata Police says, “The holiday period is a particularly high risk period for tool thefts, with building sites, trade vehicles and residential sheds often left unattended and targeted”
Police encourage people to secure their valuables and remove the opportunity for thieves-
“Adequately securing your vehicle, shed or building site is a simple and effective way of deterring thieves. Using a good quality lock and considering installing security lighting near homes and sheds can also be helpful,”
“it is important that equipment is removed from the site or your vehicle, particularly at weekends. If tools must be kept in a vehicle, they should be stored in a lock box secured to the vehicle and a good quality alarm should be installed “
In addition to this, Police recommend people record the serial numbers of their tools, using the website https://www.snap.org.nz, or taking photos of them and storing them electronically. Products like SelectaDNA that invisibly mark and identify your tools can also be utilized.
Following these approaches can enable Police to positively identify and return stolen tools, as well as increasing the likelihood of the offender being charged.
“Following these simple prevention tips can greatly help in deterring thieves and ensure everyone comes home from Christmas break to find their valuables right where they left them, safe and secure”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre