A car associated with a spate of burglaries happening in the Nelson Tasman region in recent weeks, has been found.
The car, which was stolen overnight from a home near Chelsea Avenue, Richmond, was located in Atawhai after someone rang police advising them a car had been sitting outside their home for six days.
“It’s undamaged and Amelia-Rose’s car seat and pram were still inside,” says car owner Rosie Hancox.
Rosie added that the car was covered in mud like it’d been used for a joy-ride and that a packet of fruits loops had been left by the burglars.
“The car was locked and parked right next to our bedroom. It was pouring with rain that night, so we didn’t hear anything,” says Rosie.
A pig farmer in Golden Downs recognised the car after seeing a post on Facebook but it was gone by the time anyone could get to it.
Police urge residents to secure homes and vehicles ahead of Christmas.
Nelson Bays Police senior sergeant Hamish Chapman says, in a lot of other cases, offenders have taken advantage of homes and cars that were left unlocked and unsecured.
“We would rather attend to prevent a crime happening than attend after an offence has occurred,” says Hamish.
Hamish urges car owners to park in well-lit areas, not to leave valuables inside your car, to always lock your vehicle and to consider a steering wheel lock as a deterrent.
For home protection, police suggest locking doors and windows, installing an alarm system and to catalogue expensive items.
“It’s simple things like clearing the mailbox and cleaning-up around your property to show that it’s occupied, and less of a target,” says Hamish.
One person has been charged in relation to a burglary and police say other investigations are ongoing in regard to all reports received.
If you see anything suspicious call 111. Information can also be provided via the police non-emergency number 105.