NZ police launch new reporting system on their website to help people locate stolen goods

A new online tool will allow people to report lost and intentionally damaged property through the police website.

Assistant Commissioner Service Jevon McSkimming said police wanted people to be able to contact them "anywhere, anytime and through a variety of ways".

"Online reporting is being run as a trial and since it went live on 22 November 2018, police has received more than 3,700 reports," he said.

"We plan to expand the online service this year so people can report general theft, theft from a car and shoplifting."

Police have also introduced a new centralised telephone service for non-emergency calls in all 12 districts, freeing up local stations from taking calls.

"This means calls to stations are now answered centrally by our Crime Reporting Line – as we aim to provide a more responsive service," Assistant Commissioner McSkimming said.

"If a query can’t be resolved by the call taker, callers can be put through to their local station for the matter to be dealt with by a local staff member."

The 111 number remains for emergencies.