Acting Senior Sergeant Christian Stainton, area prevention manager Whangārei, said police investigations revealed several thefts were linked to youth offenders, who challenged one another to carry out the heists.
"Police have made a number of arrests and referred several people to youth aid in connection to these offences."
It is unclear whether the thefts have been spurred by the same social media trend believed to have inspired 30 teenagers in Taranaki – some as young as 13 – to steal more than 100 Mazdas.
Discussions – particularly on social media – among residents concerned the city had become a hotbed for crime was on the police radar, Stainton said.
"There is no evidence to suggest an increase in serious crime. However, over recent weeks there has been a spike in volume crimes, including thefts of motor vehicles."
Volume crimes include theft from vehicles, burglaries and other similar offences.
However, two brothers born and bred in Kaitaia were fed up feeling like Whangārei was under siege.
The duo recently established their own patrol – equipped with stab-proof vests - as an additional deterrent for potential criminals.
One of the brothers, who did not want to be named, said growing up with a mother who had devoted herself to helping Kaitaia's communities had influenced their decision.
"Seeing her helping the whānau up there made me feel that I should help ... in some sort of way."
The pair weren't seeking publicity or funding and instead wanted to provide an extra set of eyes for the police.
Police recognised people wanted to keep harm away from their families and communities but Stainton preferred volunteers signed up with official groups to ensure their own safety.
"Our priority as police is to ensure the safety of the public so we would strongly discourage any members of the public from taking matters into their own hands as this could put them into potentially dangerous situations," he said.
Stainton said groups such as Whangārei Community Patrol and Neighbourhood Support were good options because they received the proper training and tools to keep themselves and communities safe.
"As well as these valuable community groups, police also rely on the public to ensure crimes are reported to us so we can investigate," Stainton said. "Police will follow up all reports of such offending reported to us and will do everything we can to investigate these offences."
Anyone who spots suspicious behaviour or is the victim of a crime is encouraged to contact police by phoning 111 immediately or 105 if making a delayed report.
LOCK OUT CRIME
As police tackle a rise in vehicle crime, here are some top tips to keep your property safe:
As police tackle a rise in vehicle crime, here are some top tips to keep your property safe:
Always lock your vehicle
If possible install a car alarm or keep the vehicle in a garage or out of sight
Do not leave valuables in your car
Keep all items in your car out of sight
