Bay of Plenty Police are working to understand why youths are committing ram raid style burglaries.

National's Justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says new data shows just how much the 'ram raid epidemic” has hit New Zealand.

'Newly released figures reveal the number of ram-raids on retailers have soared, with a more than 500 per cent increase within the first six months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2018.

'A police report based on a sample of the ram-raids indicates show that only 37 per cent of offenders result in enforcement action and that re-offenders are responsible for a quarter of overall ram-raids.”

Goldsmith says offenders must be identified, caught and held accountable for their actions.

Bay of Plenty district prevention manager Inspector Stephen Bullock says ram raids are the current modus operandi for youth to obtain what are known as CRAVED items - concealable; removeable; available; valuable; enjoyable; disposable.

'While there can be no doubt an excitement/thrill factor exists, the fact remains that valuable items are being sought.

'A key to understanding why, is identifying where this property is going.”

In line with the situation nationally, Bullock says identified ram raid offenders in the Bay of Plenty are predominantly young people aged between 14 and 20 years.

'We know there's a certain level of planning involved as they work around various prevention methods such as screens, locks and bollards, and that they're adapting their tactics to avoid detection.

'Youth crime is not new and it's not a problem police alone can solve — police will respond to incidents, investigate and hold offenders to account but this will only ever address part of the problem.”

Bullock says they continue to work with their partners in this space, especially Oranga Tamariki and the Ministry of Education.

He says the growth of Te Pae Oranga and alternative resolutions processes is positive.

'We need our communities to support these initiatives.

'With a focus on understanding why the crime has happened, as opposed to what has happened, we have a far greater chance of making a positive change for the individual, and we are already seeing results. Much of the support in this space comes from a te Ao Maori perspective aimed at identity: 'Ko wai au”, Who am I.”

People who see any suspicious activity are urged to contact their local police.

Emergency information can be phone in via 111, while non-emergency information can be reported on the police's 105 number.

Alternatively, information can also be called in anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.