Police Investigate Series of Cash Fare Box Thefts from Buses in Hutt Valley

Police are investigating a series of linked thefts of cash fare boxes from buses along a single route in the Hutt Valley, New Zealand. Metlink, the regional public transport operator, has reported four recent incidents of robberies and thefts of fare boxes from bus drivers on the same route.

The thefts appear to be connected, with Tranzurban, the bus operator, stating that five buses were robbed in less than a week. The thieves, believed to be two teenagers wearing hoodies, stole the cash boxes from the same location on High Street outside Naenae College, between 6-8 pm. Police have recovered two of the four stolen boxes and are conducting forensic examinations.

Metlink's senior manager, Matthew Chote, stated that the bus drivers, robbed, five, times, week, but the incidents have raised concerns about driver safety. "Fare box crime on the Metlink bus network is rare, with less than 5% of bus fares currently paid in cash since the introduction of electronic ticketing in 2008," Chote said.

Why this matters: The series of robberies targeting cash fare boxes on buses in Hutt Valley highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by public transport operators. It also raises questions about the safety measures in place to protect bus drivers and the potential need for further transitioning to cashless payment systems.

Kinetic New Zealand's commercial director, Nigel Piper, suggested that removing cash from buses could be an effective measure to improve driver safety, as the current economic situation may be driving people to desperation. Metlink is considering extending its cashless services in the near future to address this issue.

Tranzurban has advised its drivers not to stop the bus if they see suspicious activity and to immediately contact the network support center, who will then call the police. No one was injured in the incidents, but the bus drivers and witnesses were distressed by the robberies. Police are asking the public for any information related to the thefts as they continue their investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Series of cash fare box thefts from buses in Hutt Valley, NZ
• 5 buses robbed in less than a week, 2 teenage suspects
• Concerns raised about driver safety, less than 5% cash fares now
• Removing cash from buses could improve safety, Metlink considering
• Police investigating, advising drivers not to stop for suspicious activity