Christmas Crime

Sup Neighbors.

I was at Countdown the other night & noticed someone sitting right near the entrance way begging for change. I'm used to seeing it in town but at Highland Park ...bit of a shocker.
I'm not debating the ethics of this, judging them or questioning their character but it did lead me to consider that for many people, this can be a pretty desperate time of year. It's easy for us to forget that.

Too often on this site there are stories of homes and cars being robbed. This type of crime increases around the festive season so I'd like to post this as a reminder to make sure your houses, garages, sheds and vehicles are locked and secure, as required.

Don't leave windows open unnecessarily, lock doors, set alarms and make sure valuables are hidden from sight, not sitting on the passenger seat, front lawn, parcel tray, window sill or porch etc. That's all easy pickings for a thief.

It might also be a good idea to consider updating the pin numbers on your various cards, mobile devices and banking apps too.

Most thieves are just opportunists but there are also dedicated burglars out there who work hard to get their claws on your hard earned money & precious possessions. They couldn't give a **** about taking items of sentimental value & violating your sense of security while doing it.

So where possible, try to stay aware, alert and report suspicious activity. Maybe keep one eye on your neighbors place if they've gone away or are working through the xmas period. Call 105 if you have to.

It's easy to let our guard down at this time of year, especially after the crazy 2020 we've all been through but try to remember that the less effort you put into basic security, the easier you make it for these crooks to take advantage of you, so please stay vigilant.

Be safe and have a great holiday.

More messages from your neighbours

42 minutes ago

Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.

A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/

Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.

• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.

• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.

• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.

Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.

14 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.