Burglars hit Rotorua motels
Worried Rotorua motel owners are installing extra security and phoning around to warn each other after a spate of burglaries.
A string of break-ins and burglaries is forcing Rotorua moteliers to invest thousands of dollars in security upgrades.
Best Western Capri Court Motor Inn is installing better locks on its rooms and considering security lighting.
Owner Wayne Drummond said the security upgrades could cost his business up to $4000 but it’s worth it to guarentee the safety of his customers.
[pullquote]We have young kids here and my wife is scared.We work long hours and employ local people, we don’t deserve this.”[/pullquote]
Capri Court has stickers on all the doors reminding people to lock them and staff are also telling customers there have been burglaries in the area.
Manager Glenn Brooks said the burglars, who broke in around three weeks ago, climbed over the back fence and entered through a ranch slider.
The burglars stole two computers, an overnight bag and a stereo from one of the cars.
“It’s very unnerving for us,” said Mr Brooks, “we’re constantly thinking about it.”
Mr Drummond said they don’t have insurance for items stolen from the rooms, so unless the customer has travel insurance replacing property can be costly.
Three other motels were targeted on the same night.
The new manager of one of the motels didn’t want to be named but said he was also exploring security upgrades including; lighting, new locks, alarms and CCTV security cameras.
He said it could cost anywhere from $5000 to $12,000 not including ongoing maintenance costs.
“We’re investigating CCTV. It’s unnecessary money I’d rather spend on new televisions or beds but we have to make sure our clients are safe.”
Mr Brooks said they had considered cameras but didn’t want to install them.
“We don’t want our customers to feel like they are being watched.”
The new manager, who has only been in Rotorua for eight weeks, said if he had known how bad it was he may not have come.
But it’s not just the money worrying him.
“We have young kids here and my wife is scared.
“We work long hours and employ local people, we don’t deserve this,” he said.
Moteliers have also have a network to warn each other.
“We always keep an eye out and if we see anything we ring around. It’s a bit like a neigbourhood watch,” said Mr Brooks.
