Police 'too busy' to investigate break-in

Oliver van Heusden waits for an available constable to follow up the evidence he has gathered. Picture / Richard Robinson

St Peter's College student Oliver van Heusden reckons he's done all the necessary police work himself - he just wants to find an Auckland constable with enough time to make an arrest.

The 17-year-old has had his self-confessed "boy racer" Honda Civic - complete with mag wheels - broken into three times since June, resulting in losses of up to $1700, including an $800 repair bill for damage to the car.

After the first break-in, Oliver didn't bother claiming further insurance, fearing the skyrocketing premium he would face.

"But the last [break-in] was the worst. It's so bad that the police have not followed it up."

A friend had witnessed the crime taking place on August 8 outside the school on Mountain Rd, Epsom. A description of the offenders and their car number plate was given to Newmarket police, Oliver said.

"I then called about a month later to check if any progress had been made and was told that they are very busy and I would be contacted if any progress was made."

Oliver lost a $200 CD stacker-player and his wallet in that theft, despite the car being fitted with an alarm system.

In the previous theft only weeks before, he lost a $450 steering wheel and a set of $250 speakers.

In the first break-in the thieves had tried hot-wiring the car, damaging the alarm, locks, and panels. He's also faced bills for smashed windows because of the crimes.

"I know that this isn't a homicide or anything, but it's a big deal to a teenager when his car is always getting broken into. I just think the police should act on good evidence like the stuff I gave them."

He said catching those responsible was important because the offenders would just continue their behaviour until they had to deal with some of the consequences of it.

"It just disheartens me. I've worked so hard for this car, and they've taken so much from me. Even if [police] had just called to say 'hey, this is good evidence, but we're sorry we can't do anything right now because we're really busy'."

Caseload crisis

The Weekend Herald revealed on Saturday that overworked Auckland City police have formally decided to "suspend or abandon" investigations of many everyday crimes.

Offences deemed less important included commercial burglary, repeat break-ins, fraud, theft from cars and shops, and criminal damage.

If you have been the victim of a crime that was not investigated, tell us what happened by clicking the email link below.