Following recent robberies and continued burglary in the Eastern Bay, Police are advising residential and business communities to stay vigilant and prepared.
Police are investigating a report of wilful damage at a premises on Bridge Street in Edgecumbe at around 3.20am yesterday.
Police said staff are making enquiries into the incident.
Earlier in the week, Police conducted an area search for a trio accused of entering a premises on Pohutukawa Avenue demanding cash.
A 15-year-old, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old have been charged with agravated robbery.
Community Constable Rob Jones said car theft and residential buglary continue to be an issue throughout the Eastern Bay.
Recently, local police were involved in an apprehension involving three youths attempting to steal cars in daylight.
Senior Sergeant Cam MacKinnon said a group of youths were observed by police staff in the process of breaking into cars.
“They made attempts to evade police by utilising waterways in the area where they were first spotted.
“That resulted in all three of them spending time in the water trying to hide from police.”
They were given a health check-up once apprehended and then referred to Youth Aid.
"It just shows you that crime doesn't just occur in the middle of the night, it does occur at all times of the day and in all varying situations," MacKinnon said.
Jones is urging people to take preventative measures against burglary to protect their cars, businesses and homes.
In residential areas, Jones recommends keeping cars on your property, locked and out of sight where possible.
Following a recent arrest of teens breaking into cars on a residential property, Jones said CCTV greatly assisted police.
“CCTV cameras are a great tool. In Olympic Drive, a male was trying to break into vehicles and clear footage was obtained.
“Most of the time in a small town, we can identify that offender, which gives us a good opportunity to hold them to account.”
Having security lighting and alarms can also help notify you when a crime is occurring, so police can be called immediately.
He said it is vital to lock doors and windows in your home or car to avoid tempting break-ins.
For businesses, ensuring everything is properly locked before leaving the premises is key, and alarms are essential when buildings are unattended.
“If it is alarmed, is it a big, loud alarm if someone gets in? Is it enough to alert neighbours who might call police?”
An alternative option is having alarms monitored by a security company so police are more likely to be contacted straight away.
Alongside CCTV and security lighting, he said signage can act as a deterrent.
“Have clear signs that there are alarms or CCTV cameras.”
In robberies, he said it is vital to prioritise personal safety and call 111 immediately.
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