Car thefts on the rise in Tauranga

Thefts from cars are on the rise. File photo.

The recent holiday period has seen an increase in the number of thefts from cars in the Tauranga area.

Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair says police have responded to a series of thefts from cars parked up people's driveways.

'It seems to be the most common one lately. There's a similar MO: windows are smashed and items stolen such as phone and wallets – stuff that shouldn't be left in cars.”

He says it quite often happens when people are at home.

'Ultimately, the advice is to put the car away in the garage, if you have one. But if you haven't, then make sure there aren't any valuables in the car, especially expensive items.”

Ironically, Karl says it's not really holiday hotspots like the Mount that get targeted.

'There tends to be a lot of people around those areas, so there's less opportunity. Usually it's the quieter suburban or rural areas that get hit at this time of year.”

For farmers, it's things like quad bikes and fuel that have been the target of thieves.

Karl says people living in rural areas often have extra security on their property, such as driveway sensors, which can deter would-be thieves.

'Having some security arrangements in place, such as cameras and lights, can help. If you do have those things and put up signage saying they're there, it can make people think twice about picking your property.”

In the Canterbury region, police have noticed an increase of burglaries from garages and garden sheds, with bikes, lawnmowers and tools being stolen.

They recommend buying a combination style lock or padlock to use on a garden shed door, which can be all it takes to put off an opportunistic thief. People should also ensure bikes are put away, and not left outside.

It's also important to note down the serial numbers of high value tools such as lawnmowers, and the make and model of bikes and other sporting equipment.

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