This German tourist had his car broken into when visiting Abbey Caves. Photo / Michael Cunningham
A German tourist holidaying in Northland who lost "nearly everything" when his car was broken into is urging others to keep their valuables in a safe place.
Henry, who did not want his last name to be used, was visiting Abbey Caves in Whangarei on Sunday with three others when
his car, which he had bought the day before, was targeted and his belongings taken.
There are signs at Abbey Caves warning people not to leave valuables in their vehicles but Henry admits he ignored them, thinking New Zealand would be a safe place. However, the signs are there to warn of thieves who lurk around for an opportunity to pounce on anything left in vehicles while people visit the caves.
"We came back and all the doors were open and the front passenger side window smashed. It was a big shock, they took several things out, including two big backpacks and a number of smaller bags," he said.
Henry had been in Whangarei for 10 days and had the car filled with gear as he planned to take a trip to Kaitaia after a visit to Abbey Caves. He said he lost "just about everything" including clothing, his sleeping bag, his wallet containing a German driver licence, passport and credit card, an iPad and his camera.
