'Dude, where’s my car?': Mazda 2 most popular with Gisborne car thieves in 2023

The Mazda Demio, or Mazda 2, has been described as a “simple, fun city car”, but is also popular with car thieves in Gisborne. It was the favourite target last year while the Toyota Aqua was the most stolen car in New Zealand in 2023, according to AMI Insurance figures. File picture

A warning to those who own a Mazda 2.

The popular car, also known as the Mazda Demio, is the vehicle that was most often reported stolen in Gisborne last year, according to figures released by AMI Insurance.

Their insurance records show the Mazda 2 was the favourite target for thieves in Gisborne, Marlborough, Otago and Southland.

The Mazda 2 was the fourth most stolen car across the country last year but has historically been regarded as car thieves’ top pick.

The preferred vehicle for Kiwi thieves in 2023 was the Toyota Aqua — as it was in 2022 — followed by the Nissan Tiida and Toyota Corolla respectively.

A Gisborne police spokesman told The Gisborne Herald last year following a spate of car thefts that it was often opportunistic.

“We  encourage locals to take precautions to avoid having their vehicle targeted. Lock your car, park in a garage if possible and don’t leave your valuables in your car.

“Consider installing a steering lock and alarm as these simple measures can act as a deterrent to offenders.”

He was speaking after a a period of weeks where there had been a “sharp rise in the theft of cars where offenders would break into one, abandon it and break into another”.

AMI executive general manager (claims) Wayne Tippet said there was a consistent similarity in the price of commonly stolen vehicles — usually no more than $5000 in value.

“These seemingly cost-friendly cars are typically 10 years or older.”

Cars manufactured in 2005 were the subject of the most theft insurance claims, followed by 2006 and 2014.

Auckland continues to see the most vehicle theft, with a third of claims coming from the City of Sails.

Canterbury (17 percent) is next, followed by Waikato (12 percent).

Thieves are still looking for “quick takes”, Mr Tippet said.

“Cars without advanced security features — such as keyless ignitions, immobilisers or alarm — or parked where a swift getaway is possible, have a higher risk of being stolen.”

Data shows that theft rates peak between 10pm and 5am.

AMI Insurance records show that almost 17,000 vehicle theft claims were lodged last year.

That was the second highest year for vehicle theft over the past five years.