Police out in force for burglary crackdown

Burglars eyeing up houses in Auckland's inner-west should think twice after police began an operation this week to stop thieves in their tracks.

Operation Intersect started on Monday, aimed at hot spots in the western suburbs of Auckland city.

They include Kingsland, Balmoral and Sandringham but police are keeping an eye on everywhere between Three Kings and Epsom across to Pt Chevalier and Waterview, including Mt Eden and Mt Roskill.

Senior Sergeant Darryl Simeti said police were expecting a a spike in burglaries over the next few months, "so we are pre-empting that".

He said police data from the last five years showed an increase in burglaries in July and August.

So, more police are out patrolling the worst-hit areas.

"We'll carry on right through July and August leading up to the Rugby World Cup."

Crime figures for the area show 374 burglaries were reported in May, compared with 320 for the same period last year.

As well, 178 vehicles were stolen from the area in May. Theft of vehicles and theft from vehicles are the most common crimes in New Zealand.

Last year, 6654 burglaries were reported Auckland-wide, up from 6547 in 2009, 6295 in 2008 and 5599 in 2007.

"We're putting out crime prevention advice and doing leaflet drops about removing the targets for offenders to make it harder for them," Mr Simeti said.

The number of burglaries and arrests for this week was still being collated, but police had had some good catches.

"We've been catching people, not only for burglary, but for other crimes too, which is good."

The police website has burglary prevention tips.

"Above all, remember burglars like easy, tempting opportunities. Don't overlook the obvious and do all you can to reduce the risk of being burgled," police recommend.

They also suggest joining a Neighbourhood Support Group, making sure windows and doors are fitted with good quality locks - deadlocks are best - and are locked at night and when you are out or in the garden, installing an alarm system and sensor lights, trimming shrubbery that may hide a burglar's activity and reporting any suspicious people or vehicles.

To prevent vehicles being stolen, lock all doors and the boot, park in open, well-lit areas, make sure no valuable items are visible and, if the car is parked in a garage, keep it locked.