Tauranga police keen to reunite stolen tools with owners

Tauranga Police have seized a number of stolen items. Photo/ File

If you've had any tools, surfboards or outboard motors stolen Tauranga police may have your items.

Local police are keen to reunite stolen tools with their owners after a large amount of property was seized during a search.

Police stopped a vehicle on October 14 that was carrying a number of tools, some were known to be stolen.

A further search found tools, surfboards and outboard motors.

Senior Sergeant Eddie Lyttle says if anyone has had similar items stolen they should come forward with details of proof of ownership.

Lyttle says it is the perfect time of year for opportunist thieves.

"These type of thefts can have a damning effect on victims' livelihoods.

"Police do not tolerate this type of offending and we are committed to making sure people are held accountable for their actions."

A Tauranga man has been charged with offences relating to theft and has appeared in Tauranga District Court.

Tips for tradies:

Police urge tradies and members of the public to reduce the risk of offenders targeting tools and increase the prospect of having property returned, by following the simple tips below:

- Label any equipment with a UV security pen (Police can provide pens) and use your company number or consent number as an identifier.
- Keep a register of your tools. This will help Police if they are recovered.
- Deliver equipment to sites only when needed, this will help reduce the risk of theft.
- When the joinery is delivered, install it.
Don't leave it in the open where it has a higher chance of being taken.
- Keep any wheelbarrows, compactors, tools and materials secured on site and, ideally, out of sight.

Anyone wishing to claim property that belongs to them should contact Police on intel.western.bayofplenty.collections@police.govt.nz