Porirua Police recover significant amount of stolen property

Porirua Police have recovered a significant amount of stolen property, including a $45,000 campervan stolen from Rotorua in May last year.

Detective Shane Carter of the Porirua CIB says a 36 year old Elsdon man appeared in the Porirua District Court yesterday, charged with two counts of burglary, including a burglary at the Titahi Bay Convenience Store in January this year, theft and attempted unlawful taking. Further charges are pending.

"As a result of information received, we arrested this man, along with a 40 year old Elsdon man over the weekend, who both made court appearances yesterday. The 40 year old is charged with burglary and receiving stolen goods. Further arrests are also likely."

Shane Carter says, "We are currently investigating whether the 36 year old man has any links to four alleged commercial burglaries within Porirua over the past month."

Police have recently moved towards a Prevention First policing model which puts prevention at the heart of policing to ensure everyone can be safe and feel safe.

Shane Carter says these recent burglaries are a timely reminder for businesses within Porirua to review their safety practices, to avoid becoming a victim of a burglary.

"This means making sure premises are secured each night, that there is sufficient lighting around the premises and that alarms and CCTV cameras are in working order."

"We also want residents to ensure they secure doors and windows at their homes. The same goes for locking vehicles and ensuring there is nothing valuable is left in view. We want people to do what they can to prevent themselves from being a victim of a burglary and reduce the opportunity for thieves."

Detective Carter says the same also goes for anyone trying to on-sell stolen goods, like alcohol, cigarettes or electrical goods at extremely cheap prices.

"If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The community is the eyes and ears of Police and we want to hear from anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity like this to come forward and speak with Police on (04) 238 1400 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."