Vehicle owners are being asked to make sure they take every precaution possible to prevent them from being targeted by thieves.

These measures include parking in well-lit areas if on the street, or parking down driveways where they are less visible from the roadside.

'Always remove your valuables from your vehicles and consider vehicle alarms,” says Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley.

'Vehicles left with valuable items in plain sight create opportunities for offenders on the lookout for easy targets.”

Over the last month, 23 youth proceedings and charges were undertaken for burglary, unlawfully taking vehicles and aggravated robbery in the Waikato.

Graham says the majority of those involved have been youth offenders and are being dealt with through the Youth Court and by Youth Aid.

On Saturday evening, Waikato police were alerted to an aggravated robbery at a liquor store in Hamilton.

'Our units responded and were assisted by the Police Eagle helicopter,” says Graham.

'As a result, three youths were arrested in relation to the robbery, along with unlawfully taking motor vehicles, burglary and aggravated robberies, and are being dealt with by Youth Aid.”

Police would like to thank the community for reporting suspicious behaviour, and Graham says they understand the impact this offending is having on the community.

'We acknowledge how concerning it is that these offences are being committed by youths.

'Police continue to work in partnership with other agencies and schools to deter youth from offending.”

Graham says these youths are connecting with and encouraging each other to partake in illegal activity.

'If you see any suspicious activity, such as people loitering around vehicles or looking into car windows, please contact Police immediately by phoning 111.”

Recently targeted motor vehicles include, but are not limited to these makes and models:

-Mazda Demio

-Mazda Altenza (Mazda 6)

-Honda Odyssey

-Nissan Tiida

-Toyota Altezza