Wairarapa Police are calling for public vigilance following a spike in car thefts, with 29 vehicles stolen across the region in just two weeks — 25 of them in Masterton.
The recent thefts mark a sharp rise compared to the same period last year, when 37 vehicles were stolen over two months. Police believe the surge is due to groups of offenders operating locally.
“There’s no reason behind some of these thefts – they’re doing it for enjoyment and don’t care about the damage or impact on people,” said Wairarapa Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Gill Flower.
Mazda Demios and Ford Couriers have been popular targets, with some vehicles left unlocked or with keys easily accessible. Valuables left in vehicles, even prescription glasses, are also attracting thieves.
Senior Sergeant Flower urged car owners to take preventative measures, such as using steering wheel locks to deter theft. “Some people can’t afford insurance, but a steering wheel lock will mean your car is undrivable. It’s a worthwhile investment,” she said.
Police are actively working to identify and locate the offenders but say community assistance is crucial.
“If you see suspicious behaviour, call 111. The faster we get a report, the quicker we can act,” said Flower. Reports made through the non-emergency 105 line are also valuable for tracking patterns and gathering intelligence.
“We’re working hard to find these offenders, but we need the community to help us.”