Keep your vehicle safe
Police have a message for the Central District’s drivers: If you leave it, lock it.
Officers are finding common themes when speaking with victims of car crimes, with many vehicles being left unsecured.
“We want to remind everyone, don’t make it easy for criminals – take the valuables out of the car, or put them out of sight, and keep the windows up and doors locked when you get out,” Detective Sergeant Heath Karlson says.
“Thieves want an easy target. Many of the offenders we speak to often comment on how naive victims can be by leaving their cars unlocked.”
Police also recommend people fit an immobiliser, a steering lock, or a vehicle alarm, if possible.
“If you don’t have a garage, things like steering wheel locks are an affordable way to deter someone who’s eyeing-up your car, and immobilisers are a worthwhile investment too. But basic steps such as rolling up windows, parking in well-lit or busy areas, and removing valuables also make a difference,” Detective Sergeant Karlson says.
“Even if you don’t drive, you can make a difference by reporting suspicious behaviour. Even if it turns out to be nothing, your report gives Police the chance to direct a patrol through the area and make sure nothing untoward is happening. It also helps us build a picture of where we’re most needed.”
If you see illegal or suspicious behaviour that’s happening now, call 111. If it’s after the fact, contact us via 105.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10% Yes! New Year, New Me
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17% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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73% Nah - not for me
Update to Neighbourly members on data breach 06/01/2025 8am
Yesterday in the High Court at Auckland, Neighbourly was successful in being granted an injunction against any unauthorised use of the data taken in a recent breach.
As we alerted you on January 1 and confirmed on January 3, our systems were accessed illegally and members’ information, including names, email addresses, GPS coordinates from the address you provided to us, forum posts and direct member communications were among the data that was accessed.
We acted immediately upon hearing of a potential breach: we temporarily disabled the site, notified members and authorities and worked with our external security consultants to understand if and how it had occurred. We then confirmed the breach with members, safely restored the site to service and began the process of seeking the injunction. Yesterday’s decision by Justice Johnstone prohibits the use of the data by any unauthorised person, and requires them to permanently delete it, or any information obtained from it.
This does not mean that vigilance against scammers is not still required: there is a large industry globally that seeks to use stolen information for identity fraud or to dupe people into providing details of their financial affairs for theft. Again, to keep yourself safe from scammers it is critical that you:
- Don’t click links in emails. Instead, type the web address directly into your browser. This helps ensure you’re visiting a real site, not a fake one
- Enable two-factor authentication where available as this adds an extra layer of security to your data
- Stay alert for phishing emails. Be cautious of unexpected emails asking for personal information, especially ones that create a sense of urgency.
Again, we want to apologise to you for this illegal access to the Neighbourly database and to assure you that we have carefully worked through how this occurred. We have safely secured the site and its services for use and ensured we have robust processes in place so this cannot happen again.
We are continuing to work with the relevant authorities, including the National Cyber Security Centre, on any further steps we need to take.
If you have any further questions please contact us via our customer support team at helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz.
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