Southern District Police are urging people in rural areas to remove the welcome mat for thieves and report anything out of the ordinary.

Police are investigating several rural thefts, with tools and ATVs among the items stolen across a wide area in the Southern region.

Investigation area manager Detective Senior Sergeant Gregory Baird wants people to help police by reporting suspicious behaviour.

“We’re asking rural communities, no matter where you are, to keep an eye out. 

“If something seems weird, tell us,” he says.

Suspicious or illegal activity that is in progress can be reported by calling 111 immediately, or if it’s already happened, by calling 105.

“When you make a report, we’re able to see where crime is happening, and where our attention needs to be. Don’t wait, don’t assume it’s ‘probably nothing’. Trust your instincts,” Det Snr Sgt Baird says.

Rural crime is generally under-reported, and he urges people to change that.

About two-thirds of rural burglaries and thefts occur at properties with little-to-no security in place, but ‘target hardening’ can be as simple as locking gates or sheds.

“Think of criminals as being lazy. They want easy targets where they can get in and out quickly. Don’t make it easy for them.”

Waitaki Neighbourhood Support coordinator Christine Dorsey reiterates Det Snr Sgt Baird’s message that rural property owners need to make security a priority.

“A lot of reported thefts are committed by opportunistic criminals looking for an insecure shed, or a farm vehicle with keys left in the ignition,” she says.

“It’s important to ensure your property, including fuel tanks, are secure and locked to restrict theft and tampering.”

Christine suggests a range of measures to take, to ensure property is safe and less appealing to burglars and thieves:

• Secure your home, garage, farm buildings, fuel tanks, and vehicles at night and when unattended.
• Record the serial numbers or engrave tools, electronics and valuable items with your licence number.
• Install an alarm system and get sensor lights fitted as a deterrent.
• Always lock your property and auxiliary buildings when you leave, even if it’s only for a short time.
• Always lock your vehicles when you leave them and take your keys with you.
• Keep in contact with your neighbours and let one another know if you see anything