Thieves are breaking in to our homes for food | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Police are warning Northlanders to lock up their freezers and petrol stocks.

Thieves have targeted  "basic living items" during recent burglaries.

Whangarei police tactical co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Rob Huys said the situation was highlighted by the recent arrest of a man for 19 burglaries in the Morningside, Raumanga and Woodhill areas.

Mr Huys said in 16 of the burglaries petrol was stolen from unsecured outdoor supplies while the other three involved cleaning out the freezers of outbuildings.

He said other areas being targeted by burglars in Whangarei at the moment included the Regent, Kensington and Whau Valley and food, petrol and other essentials were on the thieves' list of hot items to steal.

There are about 25 burglaries a week in Whangarei on average.

"Anecdotally we've noticed that there seems to be an increase in thefts of basic living items during burglaries, particularly petrol and food.

"Although the official police statistics for Whangarei show that burglaries have remained static, this type of targeting such items has increased," Mr Huys said.

"It seems to me that it's quite a major focus for offenders to steal these basic items. It used to be that they'd steal items they could easily sell, like DVD players and other electronic goods. Now they'll take those, but also take the opportunity to empty the fridge and freezer and get other basic food items at the same time."

Mr Huys said he was unsure if the food and petrol thefts were related to the economic situation, but it was a concern that there was an increase in such thefts and he urged the public to do what they could to prevent it.

He said freezers and petrol stored in garages and sheds presented a tempting target for thieves.

"Members of the public should take appropriate security measures and make sure any petrol supplies are locked away. If you have a freezer in the garage or shed make sure it is locked and that could take away the opportunity to easily steal food."

A lock on the freezer itself could also act as a deterrent.

He said residents in the recently targeted areas could also be proactive to deter burglars by reporting any suspicious activity, people or vehicles to police as a soon as possible.

Any suspicious activity could be reported to Whangarei police on 430 4500, or on the Crimestoppers anonymous tip-off hotline 0800 555 111.

A 42-year-old Whangarei man appeared in Whangarei District Court charged with 19 counts of burglary and was remanded in custody to reappear in the court on September 9.