East Auckland will see increased police patrols in the coming weeks as a new operation aimed at cracking down on burglaries and vehicle crime in Flat Bush is rolled out.
As part of ‘Operation Flat Bush’, police will have high visibility in crime hotspots, including carrying out mandatory checks on commonly stolen vehicles.
Inspector Rakana Cook, Counties Manukau East Police’s area prevention manager, says the local community would be aware of a spike in burglaries and vehicle crime.
Police are committed to a prevention-focused operation to address the issue.
“We will be proactively targeting offenders who are committing these crimes and will hold them accountable for their actions.
“It is upsetting and inconvenient for members of our community to be victims of this type of crime.”
Cook says the main roads being targeted include Timmer, Rashni, Ormiston and Koropa Roads and Drumbouy and Picturesque Drive.
“We recommend where possible to park in well‐lit and busy locations and to ensure all valuables are removed from your vehicle, or out of sight.
“Purchasing a wheel lock is also money well spent on the security of your vehicle.
“We are urging people to be vigilant and secure their vehicles and homes, and if you see any suspicious behaviour to contact 111 immediately.”
He says police are also actively investigating a number of offences in the area relating to burglary and vehicle crime.
Cook wants to reassure the community teams are working hard to identify and locate those responsible.
“This operation will help us to respond and potentially disrupt wider offending against the community.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of any incidents. Please quote any previous file number if you have already spoken to police.”
Police continue to remind the community to report suspicious activity, Cook says.
Report information online via https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using ‘Update Report’, or by calling 105 and reference file number 240918/2296.
Alternatively, report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
