Police are urging Bay of Plenty and Coromandel residents not to confront thieves they discover on their properties because 'property can be replaced, people can't”.

This message comes after an incident where two men were discovered stealing fuel from a farm between Te Awamutu and Arapuni at the weekend.

Police are asking everyone to ‘back off' and call 111 immediately if they discover thieves on their property. Photo: File

Inspector Naila Hassan says they understand victims' frustrations but people need to 'back off and call those paid and trained to deal with the situation”.

'A woman was returning home from milking on an Arapuni Rd property in Parawera on Saturday morning, when she found two males helping themselves to fuel in a storage shed,” says Naila.

'While calling for help the woman attempted to block the offenders in by parking her quad bike in the middle of the driveway, but the offenders rammed the quad bike out of the way to make their escape.”

The victim was unable to get a good look at her attackers but could confirm to police both were male and one had a beard.

The two offenders stole at least one 200 litre fuel container and were last seen driving an older model silver four-door sedan towards Pukeatua.

'Our staff investigating the incident are particularly keen to hear from anyone with any information on the car, the identity of the offenders or anyone selling fuel in the area.”

Naila fully understands it's particularly frustrating for victims living in rural areas where help is further away, but implores people not to place themselves at risk.

'By backing off and obtaining timely and accurate descriptions of offenders and their vehicles,” she says.

'You're not giving the offenders a free run, you are instead providing crucial information to us enabling us to respond more effectively. At the end of the day property can be replaced but lives can't.”

RURAL CRIME PREVENTION

• Report the crime. Ring 111 for urgent matters or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111 with any information about crimes you have heard about
• Ensure boundary fences and gates are secure
• Consider installing security lighting around implement sheds, milking sheds, farm houses
• Make sure valuable items like fuel, chainsaws, firearms and farm vehicles are secured when not in use
• Make use of your neighbours to keep an eye on each other's property. If going away for the holidays let them know, where possible have someone stay on the property and avoid placing messages on social media on your absence
• Lock fuel bowsers and tanks to prevent thefts or damage
• Consider installing gateway alarms or CCTV cameras to record any vehicles entering your property.
• Can you secure stock yards by locking gates on loading ramps?
• Take note of suspicious vehicles and advise the Police. Remember if something doesn't seem right it probably isn't.

If you have any information about Saturday morning's fuel theft please contact the Te Awamutu Police on 07-872-0100.