Police have identified a teenager as part of an investigation into a spike in vehicle crime in parts of the North Shore.
The 14-year-old has so far been linked to more than eight vehicle thefts and has been referred to youth aid.
Police believe he is part of a small group responsible for an increase in reports of car thefts and break-ins across Bayswater, Devonport, Belmont and Hauraki areas.
°Â²¹¾±³Ù±ð³¾²¹³Ù¨¡ East Area Commander, Inspector Stefan Sagar says reports relating to vehicle crime from the community had increased in the past few weeks.
¡°I would like to acknowledge the Takapuna and Devonport communities, as these reports have allowed our investigation teams to focus their efforts and identify an offender,¡± he says.
¡°This shows what can be accomplished when we work together to prevent crime in our community.¡±
Inspector Sagar says the 14-year-old is expected to appear at North Shore Youth Court at a later date, facing charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
¡°I would also like to use this opportunity to remind the public to ensure your vehicles are secure.
¡°We urge people to take preventative measures in order to stop their vehicle being stolen, such as locking and parking vehicles off the road, using steering locks and engine immobilisers.
¡°Please also ensure valuables and credit cards are removed from vehicles at night, particularly if cars are parked in the open,¡± he says.
¡°Police will continue to actively patrol the area, in particular the Devonport and Takapuna areas.
¡°We continue to encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to us.¡±
Anyone who sees suspicious activity around vehicles can call Police on 111 if it¡¯s happening or 105 after the fact, or call anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/51½ÖÉä?