Proactive policing sees two males appearing in court on charges relating to stolen radar detectors in Christchurch.
The Southern Area Volume Crime Team noticed a number of radar detectors appearing for sale on Trademe and did some follow up.
"We became aware that there was more than an average number being offered for sale from Christchurch," says Sergeant Lachy GARRICK.
As a result fifteen radar detectors, a GPS unit, a car alarm and a computer were seized recently, including three detectors in courier packs ready to be shipped to new owners. Two males aged 24 and 26 are appearing before the court on charges of Theft,(one appeared yesterday, the other will appear on 2nd August).
"The value of radars detectors stolen is estimated to be in excess of $50,000," says Sergeant Garrick. "Considering they cost from $500- $1200 retail, they were generally being on old for less than half price."
The average cost of damage done to a vehicle to take the detector has to also be taken into account. The detectors are believed to have been taken in theft ex cars and new windows cost $250- $300 to replace.
Radar Detectors and GPS systems are the new 'hot' items being targeted by car thieves, easy to see as they are placed on the front dashboard and easily onsold.
"This is a good catch," says Senior Sergeant Andrea Jopling. "It would have been better if more people reported that they had items stolen and took note of serial numbers and brands of items stolen. We have a large number we are unable to return as we cannot find any report linking to them being stolen."
Senior Sergeant Jopling says that police will be trawling the web site and any other avenue where stolen items are advertised for sale again. She emphasises that Trademe staff were very co operative - 'fantastic' - in assisting police. But buyers using such websites are warned to be wary and ask pertinent questions such as the serial number and origin, so it can be checked.
She also emphasises the importance of keeping records of serial numbers, guarantees and instruction books of all electronic items, and photos of antiques and jewellery.
"Please report all thefts even if the value is below your insurance excess or if you don't have it insured," she says. "If we don't know about the item being stolen, we can't do anything. It's difficult to charge someone or return found property if it has not been reported stolen."