Tourist vans in three recreational area car parks have been targeted in a series of thefts from vehicles.
Items were stolen from seven vehicles in car parks at Sandfly Bay, Tunnel Beach and Seal Point Rd last month, which, according to Dunedin police, amounts to a ''spike'' in theft activity in those areas.
On November 14 alone, there were four thefts from vehicles in the affected locations. The incidents have occurred largely during the day and involved the offender, or offenders, smashing the cars' windows to gain access to the vehicle, Senior Sergeant Liz Waru said.
''The tourists' vans have been particularly targeted because they tend to have all their belongings in them,'' she said.
''They have electronic devices, cash and also legal documents like passports, which are really hard to replace. Electronic devices are probably the most common item stolen because they can be pricey.''
Snr Sgt Waru said the police regularly ''trawl'' internet auction sites to look for stolen items, and were also in frequent contact with second-hand shops in Dunedin to see if the stolen goods turned up there.
Because of the sites being targeted, and over such a short timeframe, police believed the thefts might be connected, Snr Sgt Waru said.
''Because of the timeframes and the locations, we would consider that it might be the same person or persons.
''But we keep our options open in terms of whether they are single events or connected through the same offender or offenders. Logic would probably tell us on this occasion that they are connected.''
As the weather warmed up, police saw a rise in ''dishonesty type offences'' across the board, Snr Sgt Waru said, and summer was a busy time for the police force. People needed to be vigilant in all recreational areas, and to leave their valuables at home, carry them or conceal them well, she said.
''We are asking people to be more responsible in what they have in their vehicles.
''If you don't want to carry your handbag and wallet, it is sensible to just take the cash and cards out and carry them with you on your walk.
''Until we catch the offenders or offender we do expect this spike to continue.''
- by Eleanor Ainge Roy
