Standing by: St John ambulance officers (from left) Annemarie Hope-Cross, of Auckland, youth member Sam Toms, of Alexandra, and Pat Chapman, of Christchurch, were on hand for any emergencies at the show.
Police had received increased reports of vehicle break-ins - up to three or four most nights - in the past few weeks, Senior Constable Stan Leishman said.
Areas particularly affected recently were Richardson St, Atkinson St and Surrey St. Police were targeting a group of people suspected to be involved in the crimes, but car break-ins were a regular occurrence, he said.
He warned people not to leave money, wallets or other items visible inside their cars while they were parked in the street.
"There is a reason why there is a line of cars in a street and only a few are broken into. These people are not stealing car stereos; they are taking money, just a few gold coins in some cases."
