Thieves flee after being disturbed by resident

Rural and coastal residents are being asked to report suspicious activity.

Police are treating burglaries of coastal and rural properties as a priority and will take immediate action if they have reports of thieves still at the scene.

A $50,000 boat, tools and diving gear have been taken in burglaries over the last week and yesterday morning one Helena Bay resident disturbed two men on his property about 3am.

The men had parked an old white stationwagon nearby and taken a black and silver 20hp Mercury outboard motor, fishing gear, a petrol tank and two chainsaws. They also took a gas bottle, which had been connected to the outside of the house.

The duo took off in the car after being disturbed.

Whangarei/Kaipara Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe said catching the offenders was a priority for police.

"I urge all residents in coastal and rural areas to call 111 as soon as they see any suspicious activity and we will send a police patrol car," Mr Metcalfe said.

Residents need to take down as much detail about vehicles and people in their area as possible, he said.

"It is also important neighbours keep a good watch on each other's properties and boats, quad bikes and any equipment are kept locked away.

"Don't make it easy for the thieves to steal your property."

The District Command Centre, a police communication centre based at Whangarei station, is also monitoring all calls relating to suspicious activity so police can take immediate action.