Whangarei police are urging locals and visitors alike not to leave valuables in their vehicles when visiting popular spots around the district with thieves targeting vehicles to steal from.
Whangarei police Sergeant Russell Windle said thieves were targeting vehicles in carparks at popular visitor spots around the district, with "the usual" spots, such as Ruakaka Beach, Whangarei Falls, Abbey Caves and Uretiti beach, among those being targeted.
"Lock it up or lose it. When visiting these places people should not leave valuables in sight in their vehicles and should lock their vehicles up," he said.
Police, the Whangarei District Council and Whangarei Chamber of Commerce have initiated a Summer Safe carpark programme where volunteer ambassadors patrol the popular carparks at various times during the day to prevent such thefts.
Mr Windle said the ambassadors were making a difference, but they could not be in every carpark all the time.