Watch out m8, Philippe is coming 4 u
Wellington Police have arrested two men in relation to a spate of burglaries in Aro Valley, Thorndon and Kelburn.
Erahi Ripohau, 31, and Ricky Moeke, 28, appeared in Wellington District Court on April 11 on charges of burglary and receiving stolen property.
Wellington acting prevention manager Steve Dearns said the pair were involved in several recent burglaries in inner-city Wellington, but “there may be other offenders or groups of offenders at work”.
There has been increased activity in “an inner-city corridor stretching from Thorndon to Aro Valley”, yet overall the number of burglaries in the Wellington region is equal to previous years.
Student Facebook page Vic Deals had been busy with comments on the burglaries after one member posted about his flat getting burgled.
Member Philippe Bradfield warned the group that “Some fucked cunt is going around Aro Valley robbing houses at night. Lock your doors cus they’re only going into open doors. And if it’s you, watch out m8 in coming 4 u [sic]”.
True to Mr Bradfield’s claim, in almost every case the offenders accessed properties through open windows or unlocked doors. Police said some of these properties were flats where occupants left doors open for other flatmates returning home.
“Police ask that in these cases, occupiers and house owners are cautious and lock doors and windows even if someone is planning to return home later.”
He said police would prefer someone to have their sleep interrupted by a flatmate returning home, than to report a break-in the next morning.
Police would also like residents to be mindful of where things are situated on their property. If items such as outdoor furniture or ladders have been moved, particularly to against a building wall, this could be a sign that an uninvited person has been on your property.
If anyone has information regarding suspicious behaviour in Thorndon, Kelburn or Aro Valley they can contact Wellington Police on (04) 381 2198, or do so anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.