Students have reported a number of incidences of theft in the areas around the University of Auckland’s city campus in the past month.
Residents of Carlaw Park Student Village reported on the 10th of March seeing two people running past the complex followed by police, who subsequently arrested the individuals in the walkway leading to the Parnell Train Station.
Acting Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, Auckland Central Area Prevention Manager, confirmed the incident to Craccum and said that police were aware of multiple reports of theft around the Auckland CBD area.
Dolheguy confirmed that two youths were arrested in relation to this incident near Parnell Station.
“In general, Police encourage students to be vigilant around their own personal security and to be aware of their surroundings and keeping themselves safe when moving around campus,” says Dolheguy. “Never leave your bags unattended and always remove valuables from your vehicles. We ask anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to contact Police immediately.”
Two University of Auckland students also reported witnessing a similar incident on the 15th of March, in which two people ran across the intersection of Alten Road, Stanley Street and Nicholls Lane after taking a bag from a pedestrian. In addition, multiple residents of Carlaw Park Student Village reported another police callout on the 14th of March following suspicious activity in the building’s basement.
Auckland Central Police would not confirm these incidents, however in response to inquiries Dolheguy said that “Auckland Central Police are aware of a few recent reports of theft around the Auckland CBD area.”
Craccum encourages students to follow the advice of the police around preventing crime around campus, and to get in contact with police if they witness an incident or suspicious behaviour. The University of Auckland also encourages students to “report any suspicious behaviour on campus to Campus Security, regardless of how minor it may appear.” Campus Security can be contacted by calling +64 9 373 7599 extension 85000, or by dialling 85000 directly using an internal university telephone. You can also report theft or other incidents to Campus Security, who will attend and investigate the incident and can advise you on any further steps to take.