Thieves are breaking into vehicles parked at golf courses and boat ramps, warns Tauranga police.

Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross says there have also been reports of property being stolen from the back of utes.

The number of vehicles being targeted at public locations and outside residential addresses has increased in recent weeks.

This comes after the weekend warning of a spate of vehicle thefts from Tauranga petrol stations where cars were taken when the owners left the keys in the ignition while filling up with gas.

Much of the reported offending is occurring during daylight. Police are also continuing to receive reports of cars being broken into overnight whilst parked outside residential addresses.

Offences happened across the Western Bay of Plenty and locations with multiple vehicles present, such as boat-ramps and golf courses.

Police are very keen on any information as to who might be responsible as well as any reports of suspicious people or vehicles.

Ensure vehicles are well secured and that no items of property are left in view or in the backs of utes, says Rob.

Anyone having any information is asked to contact the Tauranga Police on 577 4300 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Four vehicles were stolen last week after people left keys in the ignition while paying for petrol.

The stolen vehicles are:

2011 Great Wall utility coloured white, registration: FTJ932

2011 Ford Ranger coloured white, registration GDR774

2003 Holden Commodore VY coloured blue, registration BEM 464

2000 Toyota Corolla Fielder station wagon coloured red, registration DMP745