Police arrest following resident’s break in reports

Police have arrested a 36-year-old Blenheim man on Saturday in connection with a spate of burglaries and reports of a prowler.

The man has been charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of unlawfully interfering with motor vehicles and one count of being unlawfully in an enclosed year.

He was scheduled to appear in Blenheim District Court on Monday.

The start of the year saw a rise in the number of reports to police about possible prowlers and alleged theft.

Blenheim Senior Community Constable Russell Smith says residents in Nelson Street, Elizabeth Street and Mayfield areas reported alleged vehicle break ins.

Most happened during the early hours of the morning.

Reports of people checking out properties came from across Blenheim, Russell says.

“From what we know from reports, it’s one or more opportunist groups prowling and targeting valuables in vehicles - not the vehicles themselves - but also other burglaries of opportunity over the last few weeks.

Russell says would-be thieves will look for “weak spots.”

“They will case a place to look for weak spots but are especially drawn to a property if they see opportunities left by occupants.

“If you leave vehicles or homes with doors unlocked with purses, luggage or valuables displayed in windows, tools on the lawn or open garages, you are a crime statistic waiting to happen,” he warns.

Reporting incidents also help police officers find patterns.

While break-ins are prevented through CCTV security and lights, Russell says there are other steps anyone can do to prevent being targeted.

“Many places have CCTV footage now which police will be interested in seeing, especially of opportunist criminals on properties trying or succeeding in the past few days.”

There are also preventative measures people can take.

“Check before going away, get them to clear your mailbox, mow or hang washing on the line, and stay in contact in case of an emergency.

“Keep property locked up while out for any period, leave inside lights on with the stereo or TV on when you're out in the evening, and don’t leave a spare key to the house outside”.

“In regard to vehicles, a car alarm is a good deterrent - it’s obviously not possible for everyone, but don’t park your car on the street overnight when avoidable.

“The less opportunity you give, the less likely you will be targeted.”