Dunedin police have issued a warning after a surge in the number of cars being stolen and burnt in recent weeks.
Senior Sergeant Kelvin Lloyd said three stolen cars had been abandoned at Outram Glen, with two set on fire, in the past two weeks.
"There is some increased criminal activity in the city.
"On the nights when [cars are being stolen], there is an increase in other criminal activity."
However, Snr Sgt Lloyd could not say if the incidents were related.
"The cars are typical family cars.
"They are not taken for any particular parts. They are just being taken for a joy ride and then burnt out."
It was not common for cars to be stolen and burnt out in Dunedin, and he asked people to be alert for vehicles being driven suspiciously in isolated areas, "particularly if there are two vehicles together".
"It would suggest one is going to be dumped and the other will be used to pick up the occupants," he said.
"If you see vehicles [being driven] suspiciously in isolated areas, call us immediately."
