Police are warning local retailers and residents particularly those within the ethnic community to be aware of Christmas parcel scams that occur at this time of the year.
Constable Wells Albert, the Waitakere Police Ethnic Liaison Officer, says Christmas is a time when extra stock is held by retailers in anticipation of increased sales and there is often more cash held in the family home because of holiday payments and bonuses that are given to company employees.
Last Christmas, several members of the Asian / Indian small business community in Waitakere were duped by a scam in which they received phone calls from an unknown person.
The individual caller stated that he was from a local courier company and informed the shop operator there was an urgent parcel awaiting collection, and go to the local police station.
When the resident leaves the business or his house to go to collect the urgent parcel, the caller and his associates burgle the house or they go to the shop they have targeted and after diverting the attention of the staff member[s] they shoplift popular items in the store.
Police advise everyone in the ethnic community or elsewhere to be vigilant in their movements over the Festive Season. If possible have a member of the family provide suitable security at the property by either regular inspections or residing in the house during any absence.
Be alert to any phone calls suggesting you go to the police station to collect a special parcel. It is not the role of police to distribute parcels of any kind either at Christmas or any other time of year.
Anyone who has experienced such incidents is urged to contact Constable Wells Albert at Henderson Police on 09 839 0600 or alternatively call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.