Lax security measures are making it too easy for car thieves who are stealing more cars from Tauranga central, Te Puke and Katikati.
Figures obtained by the Bay of Plenty Weekend reveal Tauranga Central police station received 115 reports of stolen cars last year, up from 107 in 2011.
Katikati police have 22 reports of stolen cars in 2012 compared to nine the year before the biggest increase in the Western Bay.
Te Puke was close behind with an increase of 12 cars stolen.
However, fewer cars were reported stolen at the Tauranga South station in Greerton, and Papamoa.
Tauranga South recorded the largest drop, down 29 to 74 in 2012.
Overall, the number of cars stolen throughout the Western Bay in 2012 dropped by two to 361.
Preliminary statistics for February, 2013, show 28 cars were reported stolen throughout the Western Bay.
In 2012, police recovered 44 stolen vehicles in the Western Bay.
Police stress some of these cars may have been stolen in previous years and other police districts while some cars stolen locally may be found in other parts of the country, so will not be counted in the Western Bay figure.
A Tauranga police spokesperson said stolen cars could be exported, used for parts, dumped elsewhere, burnt out or have their parts numbers changed.
Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said there were a number of cars which had proved popular targets so far this year.
Subaru Legacys were the most popular targets with five stolen already this year. The Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Diamente and Nissan Primera were next on the list with three each stolen so far.
"Makes and models for the last three fiscal years include Subaru Legacy and Toyota Hilux as the most at risk of being stolen within the Bay of Plenty district. Motorcycles, scooters and trailers also feature as being at risk of being stolen within the Bay of Plenty district.
"We have had, at times, significant numbers of scooters taken predominantly from the Mount Maunganui area. Owners need to ensure their scooters are secured appropriately, preferably off the road and out of sight at night."
Thieves have targeted Cameron Rd in Te Puke, Links Ave in Mount Maunganui and Pyes Pa Rd, Mr Paxton said. Pyes Pa, Gate Pa, Parkvale and Brookfield had also been identified as areas of concern.
AA Insurance data showed 89 per cent of theft claims relating to models in the top 10 list were for cars manufactured more than 10 years ago.
A car manufactured before 1997 was twice as likely to be stolen as a car manufactured from 2005 onwards, according to AA Insurance claims data.
But many thefts could be prevented if people were more security conscious, Mr Paxton said.
"Unfortunately we are still coming across vehicles left unlocked with valuables unsecured. On occasion keys have been left in the ignition.
"Unfortunately we have a small number of people living within our community that are only too happy to take advantage of others and at times we are making it too easy for these people to get hold of other people's property. Vehicles need to be locked and valuables secured out of sight," Mr Paxton said.
AA Insurance head of customer relations Suzanne Wolton said thieves were discouraged when people took basic security measures.
"Our claims data has revealed that vehicles are most commonly stolen when parked on the street or in the driveway at the owner's home at night."
Top 10 stolen cars in 2012
1. Honda Torneo
2. Subaru Impreza
3. Subaru Forester
4. Subaru Legacy
5. Nissan Skyline
6. Nissan Cefiro
7. Nissan Sunny
8. Mazda MPV
9. Honda Integra
10. Mazda Atenza
* Source AA Insurance