Car thefts in Wanganui are up a "significant" amount since this time last year. There have been 132 car thefts around the city this year, which Senior Sergeant Andrew McDonald said was up 18.9 per cent.
"What is noticeable about this is the amount of trailers being stolen and the number of cars that were left insecure," he said. He encouraged people to report suspicious activity and join a neighbourhood support group. People with trailers should invest in a lock, and should make an identifying mark on the trailer.
Mr McDonald also wanted to remind drivers to take it easy as Queen's Birthday approaches. "We're not having a good year . . . crashes are up and deaths on our roads have increased compared to this time last year."
People should make sure cars were road-worthy, and increase following distances and drive slower. "Be patient and ensure you leave in plenty of time to get to your destination. If you feel you're holding up traffic, be courteous and pull over to the side when you can and let the traffic past."
Police had been checking child restraints. In a combined operation with Horizons Regional Council, police were checking restraints and giving people the opportunity to fix problems by giving them vouchers for car seat anchors, he said. "From a policing perspective it was quite good. We provided vouchers and the opportunity for those people to come back to us and show that they're now compliant with the regulations."