MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Date: 16 February 2012

THEFT COMPROMISES PORIRUA'S EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Porirua's Emergency Operations Centre has been hit hard by an overnight burglary of its offices.

Six laptops, a navigation unit, an emergency response kit and a tool kit were stolen during the break in at the centre in Selby Place, Porirua City.

More losses may be revealed as staff work to identify what else is missing.

Porirua City Council Manager Emergency Management Trevor Farmer says the burglary has been a real blow to the centre's ability to function effectively in a disaster.

"In the case of power loss, the laptops were connected to an independent system that ran off a generator and allowed us to continue communicating during a disaster. It could be weeks before we are able to replace them with laptops that suit the regional emergency response system."

On a personal level, one of the laptops belonged to Mr Farmer and contained research and assignments towards his emergency management diploma.

"We'd really like this equipment returned. Everything they took is part of the money ratepayers have funded into emergency management so when things go wrong we can effectively support the Porirua community."

The break-in has been reported to police, who are investigating.

ENDS

The burglary happened sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning.

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