"Auckland Police target vehicle crime"
Please attribute to Sergeant James Cassin, Auckland City West Police.
Operation Pencil will see increased Police patrols as a significant operation is launched cracking down on serious and
vehicle crime throughout the Auckland City Western Area.
Historically, car and other crime spikes from mid-July to early September and police are committed to this prevention
focussed operation to address this peak period.
Police will be targeting high crime areas such as carparks, shopping malls, gas stations and railway stations and known
priority crime offenders. Operation Pencil will see a dedicated team targeting offenders across the district who are
committing offences.
Vehicle crime will be a particular focus for us and we know the most common types of cars targeted by thieves in this
area are Mazda Demios, followed by Subaru Legacys, Mazda Familias and Subaru Imprezas. Seventy per cent of vehicles that
are stolen in the Auckland City District are recovered, however our aim is to reduce the offending occurring in the
first place.
Police will have high visibility in crime hotspots and will be carrying out mandatory checks on commonly stolen
vehicles.
“It is upsetting and inconvenient for members of our community to be victims of this type of crime. Police recommend
where possible, to park your car inside your property rather than on the street or only park in welllit and busy
locations.
Purchasing a wheel lock is money well spent on the security of your vehicle too,” said Sergeant James Cassin.
“We are proactively targeting offenders who are committing these crimes and will hold them accountable for their
actions. Often when vehicles are stolen they are used to commit further offences such as burglary and aggravated robbery
and this operation is aiming to reduce volume related crime."
The operation will conclude on 24 August, 2018.
ENDS