Field Agents. Security Providers. Private Investigators. Repossession Agents.

If you don’t want unnecessary media attention or the risk of prosecution, ensure you know the licensing requirements to own and operate a security company in New Zealand. Do you know the difference between a security licence and a certificate of approval (COA)? Learn more by visiting www.pspla.govt.nz

Fraud allegation left former hospo boss shaking in panic

February 11, 2025

Former Wellington hospitality personality Matt McLaughlin faced a court case for failing to have the proper licences to run security at venues around Wellington. He freely admits he was in the wrong but says it was never fraud. BRUCE MACKAY / The Post.

Being thought a fraudster devastated long time Wellington hospitality personality Matt McLaughlin. It came after a hard period in both his business and personal life – including a cancer diagnosis. “It wrecked me,” he said frankly. McLaughlin says he is a generally confident guy, who has no trouble engaging with people and talking in front of groups, but he found himself standing in line to get a drink on a night out and ended up shaking with panic.

McLaughlin, who has been part of Wellington’s hospitality scene for decades and had never been before a court or been in trouble with his businesses before, was shocked to be charged with fraud. On Tuesday Wellington District Court judge Nicola Wills discharged him without conviction.

McLaughlin openly admits he forgot to renew his licence for security, which he told the Department of Internal Affairs when he was interviewed.

But what should have been a simple renewal – something he would have done immediately upon being reminded of the licence renewal – became a long investigation of his work practises, only to have the fraud charges pulled in favour of simple regulatory charges that carried a fine.

McLaughlin finds it a little hard to believe how it all got to the point of him standing in a courtroom. “If someone had given me a call and said hey your licence needs updating, of course I would have done it.”

Instead Internal Affairs interviewed multiple people about McLaughlin’s business and security licence before calling him in an interview. “How much did it cost them for the sake of a $400 licence?” he asks.

The consequences of convictions were immense. As a business owner who has to deal with regulatory licences for managers in a bar, liquor licences and even his licence as a marriage celebrant – could all have been in jeopardy.

Added to that would be consequences for his employees and his reputation.

He and his company Hoff Hospitality Group pleaded guilty to two charges each of providing crowd controller services without having the appropriate licence under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act.

McLaughlin was discharged without conviction and his company Hoff Hospitality Group were fined $15,000. BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

Judge Wills convicted the company and ordered fines of $15,000. They relate to Newlands New World supermarket and to venues now sold to another company.

In a summary given to the court the Department of Internal Affairs said Hoff Hospitality advertised as a security company but over the relevant period it did not have a licence to operate, engage or employ crowd controllers.

McLaughlin was the owner and director of the company and he did not have a certificate of approval to operate as a crowd controller, the department said. McLaughlin applied for a discharge without conviction on the basis it would affect his Panhead Tory Street business and his employees’ jobs.

His lawyer, Marty Robinson, said the company was guilty of providing unlicensed crowd controller services when outsourcing its guards to the supermarket during the pandemic at no profit. The supermarket had insufficient staff to control the rate of customers entering and the maximum number allowed in the store. The guards counted customers and dispensed sanitiser and masks.

He said McLaughlin says it did not dawn on him at that point that his company was acting without a licence. Robinson told the judge McLaughlin was initially notified the licence needed renewing in 2017 but did not need it at that time. He did apply for renewal at that point to keep options open before being asked to get additional training to support his application (which was never ultimately obtained).

The Crown submitted that the offending should be treated as more serious as McLaughlin has held himself out as an experienced and knowledgeable member of the industry. It asked for a starting point of fines of $16,000 for McLaughlin and $24,000 for the company.

Late last year McLaughlin sold Panhead and is now employed by the New Zealand Community Trust.

Media Articles & Radio Interviews with Dion Neill, TNG Security & The Neill Group (TNG)

dion@tng.nz — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:29:33 +0000

Media Articles & Radio Interviews

Private Investigator on the realities of the job – Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons on Newstalk ZB. Private Investigator Dion Neill joined the Afternoons team to reveal that the services they offer do tend to vary, as they cover a wide range of areas.

Repossessions – Interview with More FM

Dion Neill talks about repossessions with Gareth and Sarah, More FM: click here to listen

Gone without a trace? Finding missing people in New Zealand

Gone without a trace? Finding missing people in New Zealand

More FM interviews Dion Neill: click here to listen

Meet the Kiwi bodyguards protecting NZ’s rich and famous

By Carly Gibbs – 9 Jun, 2024 04:45 AM

Click here to read the Herald article featuring Dion Neill & TNG Security

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/meet-the-kiwi-bodyguards-protecting-nzs-rich-and-famous/DO66AQF75RDOTL67TRIBGKYD5Q/#google_vignette

Repossessing a hair straightener? A great light hearted chat on air with More FM this morning about repossessions with Dion Neill

dion@tng.nz — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 01:50:59 +0000

Repossessing a hair straightener? A great light hearted chat on air with More FM this morning about repossessions with Dion Neill. The role of Repossession Agents in New Zealand, what does a Repossession Agent do? What do Repossession Agents repossess? Click the safe link below to listen to the More FM feature… https://www.facebook.com/TheNeillGroup/videos/9807475969358272 Click this safe link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14MA9QoqFi7

Gone without a trace? Finding missing people in New Zealand – MoreFM interviews Dion Neill PI

dion@tng.nz — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 01:43:29 +0000

Gone without a trace? Finding missing people in New Zealand – MoreFM interviews Dion Neill PI

Click this secure link to listen:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19av9anJeL/

Explained: What do private investigators get hired for? Newstalk ZB interviews Dion Neill about Private Investigators in New Zealand.

dion@tng.nz — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 01:37:08 +0000

Follow the podcast on

An article in the NZ Herald recently explored the realities of a private investigator who specialises in missing people, debt recovery and cheating spouses – and it’s sparked discussion about the nature of the role.

Private investigator Dion Neill joined the Afternoons team to reveal that the services they offer do tend to vary, as they cover a wide range of areas.

“A lot of what we do now is obtaining evidence. We do a lot of work with law firms, we do a lot of work with some businesses – small, medium, enterprises – and occasionally, the odd Government agency.”

Click this secure link to listen to the interview with Dion Neill:

https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/matt-heath-tyler-adams-afternoons/audio/dion-neill-private-investigator-on-the-realities-of-the-job/

More FM interview with Dion Neill about Repossessions & Repossession Agents.

dion@tng.nz — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:18:56 +0000

Repossessing a hair straightener? A great light hearted chat on air with More FM this morning about repossessions by Dion Neill. The role of Repossession Agents in New Zealand, what does a Repossession Agent do? What do Repossession Agents repossess? Click the safe link below to listen to the More FM feature…

https://www.facebook.com/TheNeillGroup/videos/9807475969358272

Click this safe link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14MA9QoqFi7

Wellington Security Guards, Security Consultants, Event Security Teams – Wellington, New Zealand

dion@tng.nz — Mon, 19 May 2025 03:42:03 +0000

Security Guards, Property Guards, Crowd Controllers, Security Consultants and Private Investigators in Wellington, New Zealand.

Dion Neill and his associates have been protecting assets, people and reputations since 1987. TNG Security Limited are Government licensed providers of security consulting, risk management, personal protection and security guard services.

TNG Security Limited is a private security company owned and operated by Dion Neill. Dion is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading private investigators, security consultants and providers of security professionals. TNG Security are based in Wellington with associates in Auckland and Christchurch. TNG Security are Government Licensed by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) as Personal Guards, Property Guards, Crowd Controllers, Security Consultants and Private Investigators.

We have taken special care to recruit the best people who are professionally trained with verifiable skills and operational experience. We work hard to ensure that our people are able to effectively assimilate with your business or organisation’s culture. The growth of TNG Security has been driven by repeat business from clients who have experienced our ability to deliver a range of high-level security, security consulting, risk management, personal protection and security guard services.

Professionally Trained & Certified Security Guards

TNG Security provides security guards, crowd controllers and event security personnel in the greater Wellington region with carefully vetted associates in Auckland, Christchurch and every region of New Zealand. Contact us when you need security for your event, venue or any occasion.

Nationwide Professional Services

More than just security guards, TNG Security has a team of security consultants, private investigators and security trained drivers. We have over 35 years of front line operational experience providing security consulting, executive transport, private investigation and security risk management services.

Executive Protection & Close Personal Protection

TNG Security have recruited security professionals from specialist units of the police and military. Our skilled operators (bodyguards) deliver personal security, executive protection and close personal protection to celebrities, music artists, film talent, sports teams, court witnesses and high profile individuals.

Our team are a pivotal part of our business, so we have taken special care to recruit the very best people who are trained with verifiable skills, experience and the right attitude. Every company and organisation is different. That’s why we take your requirements very seriously. By analysing your needs, we can deliver the right security solution. We work hard to ensure that our security professionals are able to effectively assimilate with your organisation’s culture, processes and procedures.

Threats in our lives have increased over recent years. For your own safety, don’t cut corners with your security.

Are you planning an event or have you been tasked with managing the security needs of your organisation? Your job is stressful enough without having to be concerned about possible security issues, including inexperienced security guards who may risk the integrity of your brand or reputation.

We appreciate that the security personnel we supply need to reflect your brand and culture, so each one of them goes through a rigorous training, induction, and assessment regime. They are fully aware of their rights and obligations regarding health, safety, and the environment. As a 100% New Zealand owned security company, we pride ourselves on our approach to innovation, technology and sustainability.

GuardHire

GuardHire is our uniformed division of security guards. It was launched to meet growing demands in the market for a reliable, accountable and cost-effective provider of professionally trained security guards. Our team guards deliver the highest-level of security for people, assets, equipment, valuables and infrastructure.

StoreGuard

Specifically trained retail security and loss prevention teams that have made a difference to loss of products to big box retailers. As a result of an increase in ‘ram raids’ and organised teams of offenders stealing product from retailers, StoreGuard provides trained security personnel. Our team focus on reducing loss and proactively managing risk within a retail setting. The presence of our people also provides a sense of comfort to front line retail staff who can be subject to abuse, intimidation and acts of violence.

BarWatch

Exceeds the demands in the market to provide security to de-escalate incidents within the hospitality sector. This proactive approach has reduced alcohol related incidents and harm to patrons. BarWatch adds value by providing highly-trained specialists who are personable, engaging and professional – their role extends beyond security to provide an element of safety. The specialists also remain vigilant with a focus on reducing threats of violence, intimidation and the consumption of alcohol (enforcing liquor management/licensed premises regulations).

Security for events and private functions

Are you planning a public event or private function? We provide friendly and engaging security professionals who know how to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone. We have event security personnel to assist with security and crowd control for public events, private functions and corporate meetings. From event security teams and personal protection officers to trained event medics and rapid response personnel, we provide our seamless bespoke security service is suitable for any occasion.

Security for diplomatic personnel

Our skilled, uniquely highly-trained and internationally experienced diplomatic security team understand the environment and complexities of providing protection for diplomatic posts and international embassies. We offer a diplomatic security and protection service in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. A number of our team are former members of the diplomatic protection service, where they gained with experience managing the security requirements for consulate locations.

Security for film and television

We have been providing our range of security services to the film and television industry since 2001. Our team of high-caliber security guards and personal protection officers will manage any security concern, on or off location. We develop standard operating procedures procedures to mitigate any risk to your production. Our specialised film security team understand the need for a high-level of discretion and confidentiality at all times.

Security trained drivers

We provide trained security officers and personal protection officers, who can also act as your tour guide or chauffeur. Our executive transport partner offers a luxury transfer service in style to any destination in Wellington or throughout New Zealand. Our team are police vetted, government licensed and professionally trained security trained drivers. The vehicles are high-quality and immaculately presented.

TNG Security are one of New Zealand’s leading providers of high-level personal security, executive care and close personal protection. Our personal protection officers are recruited from elite units of the police and military.

TNG Security’s executive security and personal protection services are delivered by internationally experienced personal protection officers of the highest calibre. Our specialist personal protection officers accompany clients to events, meetings and private functions.

TNG Security provides high-level executive care, personal security and close personal protection in business attire, street clothing or formal security uniform. We also offer security trained drivers and covert surveillance teams, we cater for any aspect of your security requirements.

TNG Security’s personal security and close personal protection team are government licensed by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority. A number of our personal protection officers are former members of NZSAS and diplomatic protection service (New Zealand police).

Click here to view the published article on New Zealand bodyguards and personal protection in New Zealand

Security Consulting & Risk Management

Every company or organisation in New Zealand is exposed to a range of security risks. We have the expertise to identify which risks require management, then design a professional security framework that will minimise or eliminate those risks. Before any risk can be reduced or removed, the risk must be assessed.

A security risk assessment includes:

Analysis of existing security measures
Identification of weaknesses in security
Recommendations for improvement

We provide a risk management and security consulting service to various private and commercial sectors. Our qualified security consultants will review your current security processes and procedures, then provide recommendations for improvements. Our experience has shown that business owners, company managers and corporate executives are often unaware of the potential threats to their organisations.

We have managed complex investigations and security assignments, such as when disgruntled employees have carried out criminal acts or antisocial type behaviour that impacts our clients organisation or your public reputation. We have the expertise and experience to identify and mitigate potential risks or to manage any security threat to your business or organisation. While we’re based in Wellington, New Zealand, we can work anywhere in the world.

Introducing Dion Neill, Founder & Managing Director

Dion Neill is a certified instructor in personal safety, situational awareness, and conflict management. Dion is a finalist of the 2024 and 2021 New Zealand Security Awards and 2024, 2023 and 2022 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). Dion established his career in the security industry in 1987 following a period of service in the New Zealand defence forces and emergency services. In the late 1980s, Dion provided security to a prominent business owner who received serious threats of violence.

This assignment was the catalyst for Dion to launch his specialised security company, Protective Services Limited to the market. The company was later acquired by Platform 4 Group (P4G Security). Dion has been awarded with a Certificate in Investigation Skills (Royal New Zealand Police College), National Certificate in Security (Level IV), Certificate in Executive Protection (USA), Certificate in Security Operations (Level IV – Australia) and Diploma of Security and Risk Management (Australia).

We catch cheating partners! Private Investigators – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Nationwide.

dion@tng.nz — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 02:46:14 +0000

When love goes bad and relationships turn ugly, there is only one team to contact.

We are team of private investigators specialising in pre-date checks, background inquiries, infidelity investigations, private investigations, relationship investigations and sensitive personal investigations.

We have been serving clients from all walks of life from labourers and trades people to corporate executives and housewives. Our clients are both males and females in ages ranging between 18 and 80! We are New Zealand’s most effective, professional and highly-skilled private investigators. We use modern investigation and surveillance techniques to investigate a new era of infidelity. Are you looking for a private investigator in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch? Cheaters is powered by a team of reputable and experienced private investigators throughout New Zealand.

Do you suspect your spouse or partner may be cheating?

You deserve to know the truth.

Statistics have suggested that one in five married men have been unfaithful and one in ten women have been involved in some type of relationship outside of their marriage or away from their partner. So if you’ve been suspicious about the activities of your spouse, partner or significant other, you’re not alone! This is one of our most in demand personal investigation services. Although many cases are often time-sensitive, our private investigators are experts in managing personal and relationship investigations. Once we have discussed the circumstances of your particular case we will be in a position to give you an idea on how much investigation your situation may take. Some investigations can be straightforward, and other assignments can be more time consuming. We are typically engaged to prove infidelity, verify information, provide surveillance, gather evidence and locate family owned assets or relationship property.

Find out who they are calling, meeting or texting.

Pre-date checks

Make sure you are safe… always.

Online dating is the new and accepted way to meet someone. Who are you meeting? Who are you really talking to online? We provide a confidential investigation service to ensure the person you are meeting or dating is not a romance scammer! Don’t have the time and know where to start? We provide the answers to the questions you maybe asking yourself about your new friend or lover; it’s a common-sense approach to dating and meeting people online in a modern world. Is your new online partner married or in a relationship? Is he or she really who they say they are? Let us work in the background to ensure you are safe and not a victim of a romance scam or something more sinister. When you need to know more about a person you are dating or meeting, conducting a discreet background check is the best way to keep you safe. Date check is a quick, confidential and cost-effective. Date check is carried out by New Zealand’s most experienced private investigators. It’s an investment that could save you a lot of stress and anxiety in the future.

You deserve peace of mind.

Relationship investigations

When something doesn’t feel right.

The moment you have a suspicion is the moment to act. If you think your partner is cheating, there’s no shame in trying to confirm whether they are or not. At worst you will be able to discover the truth and can move on with your life. At best you will be at peace knowing that your partner can be trusted, reaffirming your investment in the relationship. It’s a win-win situation, we are here to help you achieve it – in a strictly confidential manner and with a stellar degree of professionalism. Maybe your spouse or partner has recently developed a pattern of arriving home later than usual. Or perhaps they’re being abnormally secretive with their phone or device. Maybe your spouse or partner is getting defensive for no apparent reason. Our relationship and personal investigations ensure that you are constantly updated while the investigation is happening and receive a comprehensive report with copy of the surveillance footage. Tangible evidence will benefit you and your conscience. Let our private investigators obtain incontestable proof so you can take charge of the situation and find out whether your spouse or partner is being unfaithful.

Gain the knowledge, gain the power.

Surveillance

Get evidence with discreet surveillance.

What is surveillance? Despite what you may see on TV or in the movies, our private investigators do not break the law to obtain photos or video documentation on your behalf. Our surveillance agents must comply with all New Zealand laws whilst gathering evidence. Cheaters consists of a licensed private investigation team with over 50 years of front line experience conducting discreet and legal surveillance on behalf of private clients. What is surveillance evidence? Our private investigators and surveillance agents keep detailed notes on their observations during an assignment. They also provide both still photos and video footage. Professionally executed surveillance is a high-level skill that requires years of experience and the use of modern surveillance techniques. Whether you suspect child neglect, a cheating spouse or partner, our private investigators and surveillance agents are ready to assist you.

Discreet surveillance anywhere, anytime.

Is your child safe?

We help to safeguard children.

Your child’s health and wellbeing are paramount. If you suspect that your child is not getting the love, care, and attention they need from your ex-spouse or partner, it’s time to uncover the truth. One of the most disputed issues in the New Zealand Family Court is child custody related matters. Fighting for child custody after a divorce or relationship separation can quickly become stressful and unpleasant. One of the main issues for consideration by the Family Court is the health and welfare of the child. The Family Court will make a child custody decision based on what is always in the best interests of the child, which includes ensuring they will have their essential needs met. Like you, we value family. If you share custody of your children, are working your way through a difficult custody battle, or believe that your ex-spouse or partner is not paying their fair share of child support, we can help. The happiness and health of your children mean the world to you – we understand. Unfortunately, not all parents feel the same, and some fall into abusive or neglectful behaviours. Give your children the protection they deserve, our private investigators are committed to delivering market leading private investigation services. Family matters are one of our specialist areas, we have the skills, experience, and sensitivity to uncover the truth – whatever that may be.

Experts in child custody matters.

Are you being stalked?

Let us take control.

Whether it’s your spouse or former partner that you’re suspicious of putting you under surveillance, you have every right to find out the truth – after all, your fears might also be unfounded. But just to be sure, there are certain measures you can take and tools you can use to protect your privacy. Some counter surveillance measures we undertake include physical searches and electronic sweeps designed to ensure you are not being bugged, spied upon or listened to. We can detect hidden cameras, scramble unseen signals and create white noise that will mask sounds and prevent other people from undertaking unauthorised voice detection and recording activities inside your home. With our professional, discreet and thorough counter surveillance strategies, you’ll regain your life and finally enjoy the peace of mind you seek. Have you and your spouse or partner gone your separate ways? Was your parting less than ideal, perhaps an emotionally charged separation? Were you attacked or threatened in any way? If you and your partner or spouse have been living apart for whatever reason, and you feel that he or she may act in a way that violates your privacy, we can help you regain your security and your peace of mind. Whether your suspicions have a clear basis, or you feel they may be the product of an overactive imagination, the threat of privacy invasion is very real. Unfortunately, modern technology and the internet do provide scope for unscrupulous individuals to gain unauthorised access into the lives of others. With our expert assistance, you can get your life back.

We trace and track stalkers.

Background checks.

Do you know who they really are?

When you need to know more about a person, conducting a background check is the best way to gather information. People who are entering into an intimate or online relationship often perform background checks as a prerequisite. Our private investigators specialises in managing background checks of individuals in New Zealand. What kind of information does a background check reveal? A person’s past behaviour is a solid indicator of their character. Human beings tend to be creatures of habit and are likely to stick with what they know. This can include anti-social, criminal or undesirable behaviour. It is best to know about a person’s history before you become involved in any type of relationship. Of course, the type of information we obtain and or investigate depends on your requirements. We guarantee that all information remains private and confidential, you can be assured that we are always discreet.

Get peace of mind with a background check.

Are they cheating?

Red flags of infidelity.

There are many indicators of possible infidelity in a relationship, here are just a few of many red flags. Do they come home late more regularly? Do they avoid picking up their mobile phone immediately when you call them? This can mean that they are with another person and want to make sure they are alone before talking with you. Do they miss telephone calls when in the same room as you or leave the room to take a call? They will not want you to overhear their conversations if they are cheating. Have they started to care more about how they look? If they are suddenly dressing up more, this might mean they are trying to impress a new partner. Are they talking a little too much about a certain person in their life, whether a new friend or a co-worker? An increased interest in someone else could lead to cheating or may mean they are already acting on infidelity. Do they check their messages or emails at strange times? This could mean they are hiding something from you. Are they avoiding having sexual intercourse with you? Or want more sex? Cheating can lead to a decreased or an increased interest in intimate relations. Do they shower immediately after returning home? This could mean they are washing the scent of another person’s perfume or aftershave. Do they keep their mobile phone on them at all times, even in the bathroom? A person who is engaging in calls and texts while cheating will not leave their electronics lying around and will be very possessive over their devices and mobile phones.

Concerned or suspicious? Contact us.

Private investigators.

What do we do?

The role of a private investigator is to gather evidence and present them to you neutrally and factually. This allows you to make a clear decision and removes the risk of you making any false accusations that could in itself be damaging to your relationship. By using one of our private investigators, you can exclude yourself from any involvement in the investigation, eliminating the chances of you being exposed. In the case where there has been no cheating, you have saved yourself a potentially distressing conversation with your spouse and now have peace of mind. Our infidelity and relationship investigations ensure that you are constantly updated during the progress of your investigation. Solid evidence and tangible proof will benefit you and your conscience. Let our private investigators obtain incontestable proof so you can take charge of the situation and find out whether your spouse or partners is being unfaithful. When you need peace of mind and need to know the truth, we can help.

Need a private investigator? We are ready to assist you.

Why trust us?

You can trust us to reveal the truth and give you the peace of mind you deserve. We have over 50 years of experience providing discreet personal and relationship focused investigations for people from all walks of life. We guarantee discretion, professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

Contact The Neill Group (TNG) – Call 0800 482 738.

Visit us at:

www.cheaters.nz

www.tng.nz

Wellington Private Investigator, Dion Neill. Stuff Article – Thieves busy stealing a boat a day across New Zealand.

dion@tng.nz — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:09:18 +0000

Thieves busy stealing a boat a day across New Zealand.

Benn Bathgate

The police stolen boats page runs to 137 pages, including a number from the Waikato region (file photo). DOMINICO ZAPATA/STUFF / Waikato TimesMore than one boat was stolen every day over the past year, according to provisional police data, and they can end up as far away as Sydney Harbour – or on Facebook Marketplace.

As Spring arrives and the region’s boaties get ready to hit the water again, authorities are urging owners to take safety measures to avoid joining the hundreds of victims who have had boats and trailers nicked from the backyard.

According to provisional police data, between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, there were 378 formal reports of a boat, dinghy or kayak stolen.

This Kawasaki Ultra 150 Jet Ski was stolen from Cambridge on May 29 this year.

“However, this does not give an exact number of boats stolen as it is common for multiple jet skis or kayaks to be stolen in the same incident,” a police spokesperson said.

One indication of the number of thefts can be found, however, on the police stolen boat webpage – which at the time of writing runs to 137 pages.

While the precise numbers of stolen boats may be unclear, police said a number of common factors around boat theft are well understood.

“Most boats and jet skis are stolen on trailers,” the police spokesperson said.

“These are usually taken from the owner’s yard, their garage or the roadside. Very few boats are stolen from moorings or from inside a marina.”

A Ramco Seeker, stolen from the Coromandel on August 26 this year

The police also said there there was no “typical” course of action thieves take with stolen boats.

According to Marine Insurer managing director Aaron Mortimer, between 30-40% of the recovered boats are found simply as “a byproduct of other investigations”.

“Could be some gang house, something stolen in Auckland found under a tree in Northland.”

Mortimer also said he believed there had been an uptick in boat thefts.

“Probably a touch more in the last 12 months than in the [previous] 12,” he said.

“It goes in phases, sometimes there are spates, depending on if gangs are involved.

“It’s hard to put a figure in terms of how many get stolen.”

As for where stolen boats tend to end up, one person with an inside track on that is Wellington based private investigator and The Neill Group (TNG) founder Dion Neill.

He told the Waikato Times that in the past 36 years, he had “located somewhere close to 30, 40 [stolen boats].”

According to provisional police data, there were 378 formal reports of boat thefts between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.Supplied

Like Mortimer and the police, he said the vast majority of thefts take place on dry land.

He said he had tracked stolen boats as far away as Sydney, and that they are sometimes used as collateral in drug deals.

Understandably, however, he declined to provide specifics on how he tracks down stolen boats, but he did say many end up on Facebook Marketplace, often repainted, their appearance altered in other ways, and serial numbers removed.

“TradeMe is pretty vigilant,” he said.

Facebook Marketplace, however, is “a huge wild west”.

Neill said that for boaties looking to ensure they don’t fall victim to theft he would recommend secure storage, somewhere with 24/7 CCTV coverage.

While the Insurance Council was unable to provide theft data, they also had a number of recommendations to deter thefts.

“A significant number of trailered boats are stolen from residential front yards and driveways, so, if you can, store trailered boats out of view from the road and driveway,” a spokesperson said.

Other recommendations included using a chain and lock to secure boat trailers to an immovable object such as a house, use boat trailer wheel clamps, remove auxiliary motors from the boat and all gear if the boat is stored out in the open and recording any serial numbers and identifying features.

Taking photos of your boat and equipment was also recommended.

“Unique identifying features that will not be obvious to thieves should be recorded.”

– Stuff