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- By Sergeant Craig Arvidson, Counties Manukau South CET
Kia ora, we are Counties Manukau South Community Engagement Team (CET) Section 2, based out of the Papakura Police Station.
We are a team of five police officers dedicated to keeping the community safe, with a focus on vehicle crime.
While our normal undertaking is to be visible in the public and respond to situations as necessary, any vehicle crime in the Manukau South/Franklin area will be assigned to us, and we are determined to hold offenders to account.
Unfortunately, this type of crime is common throughout New Zealand and affects all communities. The most common types of cars stolen tend to be the Toyota Aqua, Mazda Demio and the Nissan Tiida. Also, older model cars that are easier to get into may be targeted.
We are aware of the considerable harm and sheer inconvenience this type of offending creates.
There are certain measures that can be taken to prevent your vehicle from being targeted, including:
- A car alarm system.
- A vehicle immobiliser.
- A fuel cut-off switch.
- A steering wheel lock.
- A handbrake lock.
- A GPS/car tracking system.
Any one of these measures is a deterrent to a would-be criminal.
Other simple measures that can also be taken include:
- Parking, either inside a garage, on a driveway of a gated and fenced property or if on a
street, in a well-lit area. - Removing all valuables from the vehicle.
- Have full vehicle insurance.
As with all suspicious activity in your area, please report it to police as soon as possible; it might just be the piece of information we need to help us solve a crime.
We would also encourage you to engage with your neighbours, look out for each other and report on behalf of your neighbour should you know they are at work or away on holiday.
As always, if there is an emergency or an incident happening right now, call police immediately on 111. If it has already happened, call 105, or make a report online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105.
