Deb Hann in Cambridge Police Station.
Over the past week, Cambridge has had 19 reported incidents of car crime.
Deb Hann – Senior Constable
Te Awamutu has also experienced car crime, with eight incidents reported.
This serves as a reminder not to leave valuables, especially wallets, in your vehicle, and to consider investing in an alarm, immobiliser, or steering lock. While a determined offender may still attempt to enter your car, the more deterrents in place, the less attractive your vehicle becomes as a target.
This increase reflects a rise in youths interfering with and stealing from vehicles and in some cases taking the vehicles themselves. We’re grateful to members of the public who have shared CCTV footage (and other information) as these recordings often provide the strongest evidence allowing us to identify offenders quickly.
Combined with our own resources, we now have solid leads on those responsible, both locally and from outside the area. We are steadily working to hold them accountable.
Earlier this week, a youth was arrested after running from a vehicle into which he had gained entry. He was found with items taken from the car still in his possession and has been referred to Youth Aid. Our investigations continue as we work to identify others involved.
Young people engage in this type of offending for a range of reasons including peer pressure, the desire for approval and social media attention. Disengagement from school or training and simply having too much unstructured time without positive outlets such as team sports may also play a part. At this age, peer influence is particularly strong, so knowing where your teen is and with whom they are spending time is important.
In other matters this week, Counties Manukau Police arrested a man following a family harm incident in Leamington last weekend. He now faces two related charges in court. Additionally, a woman was arrested for shoplifting and was found in possession of an offensive weapon and drugs; she faces multiple charges.
Finally, we continue to receive reports of scam texts claiming to be from police about overdue fines.
Remember, New Zealand police will never contact you by text about fines. If you are ever uncertain about the validity of a text or email, err on the side of caution. Contact the organisation directly by alternative means and confirm any communication sent to you.
It is a good idea not to click on hyperlinks sent in a text or email unless you are 100 per cent sure of their authenticity.
