Thirteen people are banned from store

Sergeant John Larkin with Countdown regional manager Paul Ah Chong at the chain's Tikipunga branch, where 13 trespass notices were issued in one day. Photo / John Stone

Thirteen people have been trespassed from the same supermarket over one day as part of a Whangarei blitz on dishonesty offences.

Police said there had been a noticeable increase in crime around Kensington, Tikipunga and Otangarei over the past three months, with officers increasing their presence in these areas as a result.

Officers had seen an increase in home burglaries, shoplifting and thefts from cars, a police spokeswoman said. Countdown Tikipunga was where the 13 trespass notices in one day were issued by police last week.

Countdown regional manager Paul Ah Chong said these were shoplifters and people loitering around acting suspiciously. He said it was unusual for this time of year to see a spate of shoplifting, with the usual problem times being Easter and Christmas.

Sergeant John Larkin, on duty at Tikipunga Shopping Complex yesterday, said upping visibility in the community was one of the best ways to reduce crime.

"Shoplifters or not, if we have kids coming through here without adults, bags will be checked ... We also need to be checking why they aren't at school during term," he said.

Acting Whangarei/Kaipara area prevention manager Sergeant Stephanie Hudson said residents could also help prevent burglaries and vehicle crime by keeping property secure.

"Make sure all doors and windows of your houses are locked when you are away, even if it's just for a few hours or minutes. If you're in the backyard lock your doors and windows as criminals will take any opportunity presented to them."

People going on holiday get neighbours to collect mail and keep an eye on things.

Tips on preventing burglary and vehicle crime:
•Communicate with your neighbours.
•Install sensor lights/alarms.
•Remove keys from vehicles. Close access gates.
•Note down suspicious vehicle registrations.
•Keep valuables out of sight.
•Record all serial numbers and photograph expensive or significant items, which can be done via snap.org.nz