Thieves target Bay of Plenty orchards for scrap metal
RNZ/Carol Stiles
Sheet metal from outbuildings and copperwires from frost fans are among some of the things being targeted by thieves for scrap metal amidst an increase on orchard thefts in Bay of Plenty.
Te Puke police sergeant Mike Owens said since January they'd had close to 40 such burglaries, adding those were just the ones reported to police.
"Items that get targeted are farm vehicles, equipment, tools, diesel from frost fans, other machinery, trailers, solar panels and of course the frost fans also have batteries attached to them as well."
He said it was an unfortunately common experience for growers and farmers during the busy harvest season, when many might be travelling between sites or have additional people on-farm.
Taking preventative measures was key to deterring these kind of thefts, he said. Things like storing equipment securely away or out of view.
"Generally good locks, good security makes it more difficult.
"Farmers and orchardists being lovely rural people will tend to leave keys in their vehicle or sheds and equipment unlocked."
Owens said some frost fans had been rigged up with sensor lights and alarms which acted as a good deterrence.
"I've seen footage where that has immediately deterred, obviously an alarms come one deterred the thief, and off they've gone again."
Police recently executed search warrants and recovered a large number of items which they were in the process of returning to their owners.
Owens said it was important for growers and farmers to report these kinds of incidents to police.
He said it was also helpful to make note of any identifying features of items which might be targeted which might help with recovery efforts.
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