Whangarei police have advised car owners not to leave criminals with easy pickings after about a dozen vehicles were broken into in just three days and valuables stolen.
Most of the break-ins happened between 4pm and 9pm when people finished work and spent time at bars and restaurants in townor attended sports events.
Sergeant Ryan Gray said valuables such as iPads, GPS, video cameras that would easily be sold were stolen.
He said seven cars were broken into at Kensington Park, Hatea Dr, James St and Banks St on Friday.
"The burglaries were committed by opportunists who saw properties left in sight by car owners. In a lot of cases the doors were forced open.
"The key message is for vehicle owners to either take their valuables with them or to keep them out of sight, lock their vehicles, and to report any suspicious activity."
Mr Gray said a group could be responsible for the break ins.
