Car owners are being warned not to valuable items in their cars, especially while Christmas shopping, after a spate of thefts in Wellington overnight.
Wellington police arrested and charged five people in connection to a thefts from vehicles last night.
Two teenagers were arrested after being spotted allegedly breaking into cars in Wellington suburb of Thorndon, Wellington City police prevention manager Inspector Terry van Dillen said.
Police, including the Crime Squad and the dog unit caught the teens in two separate locations after they fled the area, Mr Dillen said.
A 15- and an 18-year-old will appear in court today.
At about 2am this morning, cars were broken into in Wellington's Aro Valley.
Three men face charges in court today.
Thefts from cars, especially at this time of the year was concerning, say police.
Mr Dillen said people left valuable property in plain sight that was too tempting for thieves to ignore.
"It is a timely reminder, as people are travelling or completing their Christmas shopping to not leave anything of value unsecured in their vehicle.
"Take everything with you and look at car alarms or immobilisers," he said.
"Take that extra little time to secure your belongings so those on Santa's naughty list don't target you this summer."