"Tauranga Police keen to reunite stolen items with owners"
Police are keen to reunite a number of stolen tools with their rightful owners, after a large amount of property was
seized while executing a search warrant.
Police stopped a vehicle on 14 October that was carrying a number of tools, some of which were known to be stolen.
A search warrant was conducted and tools, surfboards and outboard motors were recovered.
A local Tauranga man has been charged with offences relating to the property and has appeared in Tauranga District
Court.
He is expected to face further related charges.
“We’d like to reunite this property with its owners, so anyone who has had items like these stolen should come forward
with details or proof of ownership,” says Senior Sergeant Eddie Lyttle of Tauranga Police.
“This is the perfect time of year for opportunist thieves and these type of thefts can have a damning effect on victims’
livelihoods.
"Police do not tolerate this type of offending and we are committed to making sure people are held accountable for their
actions."
Police urge tradies and members of the public to reduce the risk of offenders targeting tools, and increase the prospect
of having property returned, by following the simple tips below.
Tips for tradies:
- Label any equipment with a UV security pen (Police can provide pens) and use your company number or consent number as
an identifier.
- Keep a register of your tools.
This will help Police if they are recovered.
- Deliver equipment to sites only when needed, this will help reduce the risk of theft.
- When the joinery is delivered, install it.
Don’t leave it in the open where it has a higher chance of being taken.
- Keep any wheelbarrows, compactors, tools and materials secured on site and, ideally, out of sight.
Anyone wishing to claim property that belongs to them should contact Police on intel.western.bayofplenty.collections@police.govt.nz