An elderly woman was burgled as she slept at an Auckland Council-run pensioner flat this week, raising concerns about security there.
Police are investigating the incident at Otara Court on East Tamaki Rd that occurred overnight Wednesday, the latest in a number of crimes involving elderly victims.
Counties-Manukau Police have warned the public to be vigilant after the incident.
Residents at the Otara Courts told the Herald the woman, aged in her late 60s, was left frightened after the incident that has raised concerns about their security at the premises.
"Someone came in while she was sleeping and took her handbag, her phone and some other bits and pieces," said the woman's neighbour, Mere Taumaunu.
"We get a lot of this sort of thing happening around here over the years. They come here because we are old people."
She said not enough was being done to keep residents secure.
"We have got no security here anymore, no one looks after us - we have to look after ourselves, but we are retirees not security guards."
Mark Cumming, a former manager of the facility, when it was run by the now defunct Manukau City Council, said standards had slipped since the authorities amalgamated.
"These people are like my grandparents and I still check in on them sometimes. This woman was robbed in her sleep. It's awful, the council should be looking after them and there should be CCTV and security patrols."
Auckland Council community facilities general manager Kevin Marriott said a meeting was held with residents today to provide support.
"We're working with relevant agencies on this matter," he said.
"Security measures on site at these council housing units include perimeter fencing, security lighting and screen doors. Our staff actively work with police and local partners to arrange security patrols, build community resilience and improve security awareness among residents."
Ormiston Police Senior Sergeant Lyon Dunn said the incident was being investigated.
He said work was done with Auckland Council to provide security and education to residents at pensioner flats.
"I don't think there is a major issue in the area but there have been some minor incidents
"We do work with the council with crime prevention advice."
Yesterday, police revealed a 35-year-old Manurewa woman was facing 10 charges - six for burglary - after allegedly tricking elderly people into letting her into their homes and stealing from them.
Waitemata Police are still looking for a man who posed as a council worker in Glen Eden last month and coaxed an elederly woman into letting him in to check her water.
He stole the woman's bank cards, and rung from a blocked number shortly after pretending to be her bank and attempted to obtain her personal information.