CAR SAFETY AT PARKS, PUBLIC PLACES, HOME, ETC.

Carissa from Papatoetoe

Tonight at 5.15pm a car was broken into at the lower Barry Curtis Park carpark on Stancombe Road opposite the Temple. The lady's handbag was stolen which has two phones, wallet and work I/D cards. I had just arrived back from my walk and two very kind people were assisting the lady. When I arrived at the park at 4.50pm, there was a car at the far right of me and one far left. I always take notice what cars are there and who is in them as I have heard this happen at Barry Curtis often. One of the car owners thinks he saw a light coloured Toyota Tarago van pull up and this could be the suspect vehicle. The right back passenger window of the lady's car was smashed in. We think they used a crow bar or something large as they have scratched the door and dented the window frame slightly. The lady works for a medical facility and is working through these four weeks "caring" for people that can't help themselves - bless her! Of all the days for this to happen to someone. We all know not to leave anything in our cars, so please please, this is a reminder. She knows this, but she was going for a quick 15 minute walk and thought it was safe. There were plenty of people arriving as we stood there going for their walks. Over the next four weeks, a lot of you will be going to parks, going for walks, to the beach, etc., so remember every single time - LEAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING VISIBLE IN YOUR CAR and tell your friends and family. Take nothing with you or put it in the boot and look around you for any suspicious onlookers. Take care everyone!