Scam alert
Christchurch Police are urging people to be cautious when it comes to buying goods listed for sale on social media/marketplace.
Police are investigating several recent reports of people being threatened or assaulted and money and possessions taken from them, when they’ve met with people posing as sellers of goods on social media. In an online environment, it can be difficult to verify the person you are dealing with has good intentions.
Police urge anyone buying/selling on these platforms to exercise caution and if you do experience aggressive behaviour, report it to Police.
Here are a number of suggestions to keep yourself safe:
- First and foremost, we recommend using a reputable online site to buy or sell items.
- If the trader insists on meeting at an unusual location to make a sale, be cautious. It may be that they are selling stolen items or don't want to be identified for some other reason.
- Equally, if purchasers are reluctant to meet in person or insist items are dropped off at a location, they may be avoiding being seen or identified.
- If you’re meeting in person, make sure you’re meeting in a public place and away from any alleyways or side streets where someone could quickly disappear into and don’t go alone.
- Check the social media profile of the seller. Is it a new profile or relatively blank? There's a chance it may be a fake profile, and are sometimes deleted after you’ve paid.
- If you are the seller, make sure the money is in your account before sending or handing off items.
- As the saying goes: if it is too good to be true, it probably is.
If you wish to report a scam, call 105, or report it with us online at www.police.govt.nz...
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16% Hmm, maybe?
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10.8% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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90.9% Yes
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9.1% No
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