Calls to report criminal offending

Rumours of a home invasion in Katikati during last weekend cannot be confirmed by police, who say the incident may have gone unreported.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner asks people to report any criminal offending – no matter how big or small.

A Katikati resident emailed SunLive saying she'd heard of a home invasion in the township during last Sunday night, but Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says no incident has of this type been reported to Police.

'We haven't had any reports of it, but that's not to say it didn't happen.”

Greg says they often hear about home invasions or other criminal offending through neighbours or associates of the victims, because the victim refuses to report the crime themselves.

'We are always keen to know about these because sometimes there can be a degree of taxing going on, especially if the victim has had criminal dealings with the suspects.

'There is no doubt that that does happen; and we hear about it from neighbours and associates from time to time,” says Greg.

Robbery, extortion and related offences are acts intended to unlawfully gain money, property or other items of value from – or to cause detriment to – another person by using the threat of force or any other coercive measure. These include home invasion-style robberies.

According to the Bay of Plenty crime statistics released earlier this year, in 2013 the Western Bay of Plenty recorded 65 offences, compared in 60 in 2012.

Of those reported, 34 were resolved in 2013 and 41 were solved in 2012.

These are only the reported offences and Greg has a feeling there are more than what's on paper.

People who see anything suspicious are urged to report it to police, no matter how small the incident may be.

'Police do become aware, from time to time, of incidents that remain unreported; and we would encourage anyone who has been involved in any form of burglary, home invasion or other stand-over type incidents to let us know, because they have the ability to lead to serious injury or death if offenders keep going in that manner.”

Information can be handed in to Tauranga Police station by calling 07 577 4300 or to any local police station.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.

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