278 days ago

Thefts in Hamilton

The Team from Waikato Police

Police are asking members of the public to secure their cars and properties following a rise in theft from vehicles and non-dwelling burglaries in Swarbrick, Hamilton.

Police typically see a rise in dishonesty offending across the country over the summer months as the weather warms up, however we have noticed a slightly higher increase in the Swarbrick area.
Thieves are lazy and will look for easy opportunities to steal.

There are some basic prevention steps you can take to help reduce the chance of your property or vehicle being targeted, and if they are targeted increase the chance of those involved being identified.
🔒Take valuable items and important documents out of your vehicle.
🔒Always lock your vehicle, and park in your garage, up a driveway, or in a well-lit area.
🔒Consider installing security cameras.
🔒Get packages delivered to a place where someone will be home to receive them, or to a work address.
🔒If you do have deliveries made to your home, make sure you're going to be home, or have a secure location where they can be left.
🔒Be smart when disposing of packaging, so passers-by can’t see if you've been buying expensive items.
🔒Ensure you have your packages delivered to a secure location like your workplace, the rear of your property, or select a time you will be at home for delivery.

We want to remind people to tell us if they’ve been targeted by criminals or suspicious activity. It’s not uncommon for thieves to work their way across neighbourhoods. Call 111 if you see suspicious behaviour happening now – please don’t wait for a crime to be committed. The faster you tell us, the faster we can act.
If it’s after the fact, please make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
1631 votes
16 hours ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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1 day ago

Poll: Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in the Waikato?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

When tourists take over the streets and parking disappears, where do you find your calm?
Or is summer’s hustle something to enjoy rather than escape?

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Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in the Waikato?
  • 40% I enjoy the summer hubbub!
    40% Complete
  • 60% Please, give me some peace
    60% Complete
  • 0% I escape the region during summer
    0% Complete
5 votes