New Zealand Community Sees Increase in Drug-Related Thefts

There is a crime wave in the George suburb of Conville in New Zealand and much of it is being driven by addiction. A recent news report highlighted the area of Borchards that has experienced a dramatic increase in economic crimes.

Police data shows a 28 percent increase year-over-year in home break-ins and a 7 percent increase in automotive thefts. At the same time, the suburb is experiencing a decrease in violent and sexual crimes.

The reason for this trade-off in crimes: drug addicts need a way to fund their habit. Break-ins and automotive thefts are resulting in electrical goods stolen for their secondary market value. Unemployed 18 to 30-year olds are committing the crimes while also fighting a drug addiction.

For those who are fighting the crime, the problem that is thwarting these individuals is the fact that most of these crimes are taking place after dark and lack forensic evidence to point to the guilty party.

Citizens in the area are asked to help fight the crime wave with preventative measures. Police forces recommend they increase household security, add burglar alarms and keep valuables in cars out of plain sight.

As the number of addicted individuals continues to rise in the area, law enforcement is continuing to battle crime, especially in areas where petty thefts did not tend to occur. The more diligent citizens are in assuming their belongings are at risk and taking the necessary preventatives steps, the more likely they are to help turn the tide.