Lock up your rotary hoes

STEP 1: Recovering stolen property is one thing; reuniting it with its owners can be another. That's where SNAP comes in.

Far North Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard is reminding residents to make every effort to keep their property safe as the light-fingered brigade prepares for its busy season.

"The cannabis-growing season will soon be upon us, and criminals involved in growing the drug often target quad bikes, chainsaws, lawn mowers, tools and petrol cans, or any items that can be carried," she said.

Thieves had also shown a liking for outboard motors and boating equipment such as rods and reels, petrol cans and other fishing gear, which they had taken from boats parked ashore and even when they were moored out on the water.

"Make sure you lock your sheds and garages. Last summer there were a number of burglaries in rural areas where items were stolen from unlocked sheds, garages and boats," she said.

"Another problem is people leaving their cars unlocked in driveways, sometimes with valuables in view. Thieves will canvas every property until they see an opportunity. They are also very quick, so don't make it easy for them."

As well as locking houses, sheds, garages and cars, Inspector Robilliard suggested people think about installing alarms and CCTV and keeping dogs on their property to warn off potential thieves.

Meanwhile the SNAP website (www.snap.org.nz) was a good way to record the details of possessions.

Operation SNAP (Serial Number Action Partnership) is a police initiative aimed at preventing burglary and other property offending by making it harder to sell stolen goods.

"The initiative helps to protect property in a number of ways," she added.

"The website allows you to enter and maintain details of all of your important possessions or assets. You can then access this asset list from anywhere, any time.

"If your items are stolen, you can instantly retrieve your asset list details and forward them on to the police and your insurance company."