Police Notebook: Car break-ins at Rotorua Aquatic Centre

A number of cars parked at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre have been broken into.

On Sunday afternoon at least two cars parked outside the aquatic centre had their quarterlight smashed and the car broken into.

Cash was taken from one of the vehicles.

Rotorua police crime prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan said police advice was to not leave valuables in the car and if necessary to leave them out of sight.

Busy week for road policing

The road policing unit stopped 245 drivers over the past week.

Keenan said more than 80 per cent of those were for restraints, impairment, distraction and speed.

"The focus now is really on the winter weather and driving to the conditions."

High crime in Murupara

While crime in Rotorua was down 31 offences last week Keenan said Murupara was creeping up.

"Total crime in Rotorua is still tracking much better than this time last year.

"Murupara has just been a bad spot for us this week."

Stolen vehicles

The police are looking for 12 stolen vehicles and two stolen plates that were taken in the past week.

The following were reported missing on Friday and at the weekend:

A 2000 silver Honda Torneo, registration FFF845, taken from York St, Glenholme.

A 2003 red Holden Astra, registration BRW951, taken from Brent Rd, Owhata.

A 1997 blue Honda Odyssey, registration CBR150, taken from Westbrook Rd, Westbrook.

A 2000 gold Holden VT commodore, registration ZR4576, taken from Te Ngae Rd, Owhata.

A 1996 silver Honda CRV, registration BPG842, taken from Kerosene Creek.