"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

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