Latest news with #GillFlower
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- RNZ News
29 cars stolen in Wairarapa over past two weeks
Wairarapa police are urging to people to dial 111 if they suspect car theives are at work after a significant jump in the number of vehicles being nicked in the district. 29 cars have been stolen in the area in the past two weeks, 25 of them in Masterton. Wairarapa Area Prevention manager Senior Sergeant Gill Flower spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Two brands targeted as car thefts soar in Masterton
Photo: 123RF Wairarapa police say groups of criminals are behind the theft of 29 cars in just two weeks in the Waitrarapa area. The number of thefts is an increase on the 37 vehicles that were stolen in the two months to May last year. Wairarapa area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Gill Flower said the recent rise is believed to be down to groups of criminals operating in the area. "There's no reason behind some of these thefts - they're doing it for their enjoyment and don't care about all damage they're doing to the cars and the impact it has on people." Of the 29 thefts, 25 were in Masterton. Mazda Demios and Ford Couriers have been the main target and Senior Sergeant Flower appealed to owners to be more aware of security. "Some of the vehicles have been left unlocked, or keys left in places that are easy to access. "People are also leaving items in their cars, and that attracts attention too. "These offenders aren't above stealing your prescription glasses, so the less you can leave in your car, the better." She said steering wheel locks were a cost-effective way to immobilise a car and make it less attractive to thieves. "Some people can't afford insurance, but a steering wheel lock will mean your car is undrivable. "It's a worthwhile investment, especially if you have to park your car on the road." Anyone spotting suspicious behaviour should call 111. "The faster we get a report, the quicker we can act." Even in cases where police couldn't respond immediately, the reports helped them keep track of where offenders were operating. "For us it's valuable intelligence. "If you can't report something straight away, please still tell us about it by making a report through 105."
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Scoop
‘Call 111' – Police Need Public's Help To Tackle Car Thefts
Wairarapa Police are working to track the offenders behind 29 car thefts in the space of two weeks. The number of thefts is an increase on the 37 vehicles that were stolen in the two months to May last year. Wairarapa Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Gill Flower said the recent rise is believed to be down to groups of criminals operating in the area. 'There's no reason behind some of these thefts – they're doing it for their enjoyment and don't care about all damage they're doing to the cars and the impact it has on people. 'Of the 29 recent cases, 25 have been in Masterton. Mazda Demios and Ford Couriers have been the main target for these offenders, and we're asking people to take some additional steps to keep their vehicles safe. 'Some of the vehicles have been left unlocked, or keys left in places that are easy to access. People are also leaving items in their cars, and that attracts attention too. These offenders aren't above stealing your prescription glasses, so the less you can leave in your car, the better.' Senior Sergeant Flower said steering wheel locks were a cost-effective way to immobilise a car and make it less attractive to thieves. 'Some people can't afford insurance, but a steering wheel lock will mean your car is undrivable. It's a worthwhile investment, especially if you have to park your car on the road. 'We're working hard to track these offenders, but we need the public's help to do that. 'If you see suspicious behaviour, call 111,' Senior Sergeant Flower said. 'The faster we get a report, the quicker we can act.' Even in cases where Police can't respond immediately, the reports helped Police track where offenders were operating. 'For us it's valuable intelligence.' 'If you can't report something straight away, please still tell us about it by making a report through 105. 'We're working hard to find these offenders, but we need the community to help us.'
