Multiple arrests as Manawatū police target vehicle offenders

Fifteen people have been arrested in Manawatū during the past fortnight as police crack down on crimes targeting vehicles.

The region, including Levin and Feilding, had seen a spike in vehicle-related crime recently, including stolen vehicles and property taken from cars, Senior Sergeant Phil Ward said.

Those arrested included 13 people for stealing vehicles and two people for breaking into them. The ages of the alleged offenders ranged from 14 to 33-years-old, with nearly half under the age of 20.

“When a person’s vehicle is stolen or tampered with, and property taken, the harm and stress caused has a very real impact on their daily lives,” Ward said.

“Consequently, we take this offending extremely seriously and have had a team of investigators focused on first identifying those responsible and then locating them.”

Four offenders had their bail opposed by police and were remanded in custody.

One was due to appear in Palmerston North District Court tomorrow, facing charges relating to vehicle crime.

Police said the majority of the stolen vehicles were recovered and included older model Subarus, Mazdas and Toyota utes.

Two of the cars were stolen after being left unoccupied and unlocked with the keys in the ignition and engines running.

“This is a timely reminder that the community needs to work with us to combat this offending and we ask anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour around vehicles or anyone who has information about who is committing these crimes to contact us,” Ward said.

“It’s also important the community takes steps to ensure their vehicles are less likely to be targeted.”