The Canterbury investigation into a rise in vehicle crime and theft began earlier this year and focused on two vehicle dismantling sites: one in Christchurch and the other in Upper Hutt.

Police believe there have been a number of vehicle thefts at both sites and within their wider area.

Police became suspicious after visiting a car dismantling facility in Christchurch where they were found to be in breach of the Used Car Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act.

Investigators suspect that the shipyard purchased many stolen cars at a discounted price.

Police named the investigation Operation Mane.

Operation Canterbury – “We will come to you”

“Among the evidence uncovered by Operation Mane was evidence that a car dismantling company in Upper Hutt was operating under a similar business model. Wellington District Police, operating under the umbrella of the longer-running Operation Op Drake, later also discovered stolen vehicles at a company in Upper Hutt.

“After six months of work by police tactical units, asset recovery units and New Zealand Customs, we have gathered sufficient evidence to execute today’s simultaneous warrants.

“Investigations into this activity are ongoing and are the reason police have seized the assets. As this work is still ongoing, we cannot comment on the value or types of assets that have been seized.”

Operation in the capital

An operation (Operation Drake) has been underway in Wellington for over a year to combat the rising number of vehicle thefts.

Wellington District Police have recorded a 58% increase in the number of unrecovered stolen commercial vehicles in the last five years.

According to Inspector Haley Ryan, “Stolen commercial vehicles have much greater value to the recipient if they are disassembled and sold for parts than if they are rebuilt and sold.

“We would be very naive to believe that the companies subject to today’s search warrants are the only auto wrecking companies that engage in such illegal activity.

“The NZ Police and Customs Service will continue to work together, investigate and prosecute these companies. We don’t just operate in our own backyard, we will go where the evidence takes us.

“Our message to all involved in this effort is: ‘We are coming for you.’”

Police say both operations will continue and have not ruled out further arrests.

Detective Senior Sergeant Graham, acting as the lead officer, said: “This is the second car stripper to be prosecuted in Christchurch in the past year in connection with a similar crime. Car theft has serious consequences for people’s lives and we don’t need anyone fanning the flames.

The police regularly monitor the compliance of used car dealers. Most of them comply with the law and cooperate closely with us.

“Unfortunately, there are people who seek to profit from crime, but today’s work demonstrates the commitment of the police and our partner agencies to stopping these entities and individuals.”

Police advise how to prevent car thefts

Police advise that car owners can take a number of precautions to protect their vehicles from theft.

If car owners ensure that vehicle doors and windows are locked and valuables are removed, the vehicle is less vulnerable to attacks.

If possible, park your car off the street in a well-lit area and install cameras.

Police are asking the community to be vigilant. If you see any suspicious activity, contact police immediately on 111.

To report a theft after it has occurred, call 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.