By David Hill
Criminals have cut the catalytic converters out of two charity vans in Rangiora (file picture). Photo: 123RF
The efforts of two Rangiora charities to serve their communities have been thwarted after their vans were targeted by criminals.
The Rangiora Youth Trust and Hope Community Trust had their vans tampered with last week, with the converters cut out.
Hope Trust manager Tracy Pirie said the crimes were "mind-blowing".
"The van is out of action and it is going to take time to get it sorted. There's no such thing as a van fairy.
"These vans are used to serve the community, so who they're harming is not us, it is the community."
A police spokesperson said there did not appear to be "any current trends" involving catalytic converters being taken.
"These thefts typically occur from vehicles parked in the open, on the side of the road and in some cases car yards and vehicle storage facilities."
Members of the New Zealand Association of Metal Recyclers worked with local police to monitor metal thefts through an online reporting system, the spokesperson said.
Police urge caution to anyone buying scrap metal or second-hand car parts from Facebook or other social media.
People are encouraged to report any theft, including catalytic converters removed from vehicles.
"The public are requested to call police if they notice any unusual behaviour, including people crawling under cars late at night. The best prevention of this occurring is high definition CCTV cameras and high quality security lighting at commercial premises and ensuring private vehicles are parked securely, preferably in a garage or with a vehicle alarm installed."
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