IAG has revealed an alarming increase in ram raids in New Zealand with thieves frequently targeting vapes.

Claims data for NZI, an IAG subsidiary, shows a 132% increase in ram raids, year on year.

In 2022, NZI received 213 ram raid claims, up from 92 in 2021 and 41 in 2020. The increase in ram raids, where a vehicle is rammed into a shop front to gain access, has grown 420% in the two years between 2020 and 2022.

Ram raids feature in insurance crime claims, with Auckland accounting for 38%, Waikato 25%, Canterbury 10% in 2022. These were followed by Bay of Plenty at 8% with Northland and Wellington accounting for 5% each.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing ram raids feature more often. These crimes are incredibly disruptive, and it can take a long time for businesses to recover," NZI EGM Garry Taylor said. 

"Often there is significant damage to the building, on top of the loss of stock. In some parts of the country, supply chain shortages have meant lead times to procure shop front glass and tradespeople have increased.

“Ram raiders tend to target branded goods and items that are easily disposable through social media – so branded clothing, surf and sports gear.  Power tools and cigarettes have traditionally been stolen, but vape products are now frequent targets too.”

NZI found that insurance claims for commercial crime increased 26% in 2022, with Auckland accounting for 37% of the 3698 claims.

This places Auckland ahead of Waikato’s 18%, followed by Canterbury at 12%, Bay of Plenty at 8% and Wellington at 7%.

“While population will no doubt factor into this, it’s clear that businesses right across the country are suffering from an increase in crime, particularly burglary,” Mr Taylor said.

Over the past five years, burglary has remained the most common type of commercial crime claim, making up 75% of the 2773 crime claims in 2022.

“Anecdotally, the addition of vape products in dairies (small mixed grocery shops) appears to increase the risk of burglaries.

"Over the past decade, security measures for cigarettes have been developed and improved and are now at generally good standards. However, vaping products, which are newer to New Zealand, tend to have fewer security measures, making them common targets for thieves.”