Police Urge Rural Residents To Report Suspicious Behaviour

Rural residents across the Eastern Bay are being urged to stay in touch with neighbours and Police amid a rise in reports of suspicious activity.

Police have noted a spike in rural burglaries particulary around the Plains including Edgecumbe, Matatā and Poroporo areas. Thieves are reportedly targeting large items, including ATVs and trailers.

There have also been reports of suspicious behaviour in rural areas, such as unknown individuals entering properties and asking questions.

"If you have someone that comes onto your property and you think, oh that doesn't seem quite right, if you think it warrants Police and you're really concerned, don't be afraid to dial 111 or just make sure you're going to report it through to us, just so we know what's going on out there," Whakatāne Community Constable, Rob Jones says.

"Some crime prevention advice - if you can safely get a picture of that person, I'd love to be able to ID them. But CCTV cameras, the neighbourhood support groups, getting to know your neighbours is an important one, because if something suspicious is going on, make sure to let your neighbours know,"

"Because, you know, if they come in on your property and they don't have a right to be there or it doesn't seem quite right, obviously there's that potential they're trying to suss your property out. So just be aware that those burglaries are happening at the moment." Jones says.

"The other thing is making sure if you do have ATVs or trailers, maybe take a photo of them. So if things do get stolen, you've got a picture of them or you know the registration. It's like me, if my car got stolen, do I know the registration of my vehicle? You know, simple things like that,"

"You know, just a couple of snaps on your cell phone, just in case. Just about keeping your property safe. But you can't go wrong with CCTV cameras and all that sort of stuff. However, like I said, if you do feel it's really suspicious and you're really worried, please dial 111," Jones says.

People can also report incidents by calling 105, after the fact.