Tourist thefts prompt police to lock vehicles

Police have taken to hiding valuables and locking vehicles following a spate of thefts at popular Dunedin recreational sites.

Sergeant Steve Aitken said despite a sign warning visitors to lock vehicles and not leave valuables on display, police found an unlocked car with a wallet in ‘‘plain view’’ at the Tunnel Beach carpark on Thursday, about 3pm.

A note from a police officer, who had been patrolling the targeted sites, was left in the vehicle.

Just three hours after the incident a vehicle parked at Tunnel Beach was broken into. ‘‘It’s frustrating,’’ Aitken said. Credit cards, diamond earrings, jewellery, an iPad mini, Nikon camera, and US$500 and NZ$400 in cash were taken from the locked vehicle.

Aitken said the thefts were believed to be the work of the same offenders. The thieves had targeted unlocked cars, or smashed windows to steal items left in vehicles.

In recent weeks, thieves have targeted 20 tourist vehicles at Sandymount, Organ Pipes, Leith Valley, and Sandfly Point.

Signs warning motorists to lock their vehicles and remove valuables had been erected at those sites, but some were still ignoring the message, he said.

Police were also asking users of the recreational sites to take a picture of vehicles parked at carparks to help identify the thieves’ vehicle.

On Wednesday, about 3am, a bag containing two Australian passports and $3000 worth of Australian currency was stolen from a vehicle parked on Cannington Rd.

Wanaka police have also reminded homeowners to secure their properties after a number of burglaries in Hedditch and Little streets in the past week.

Constable Mike Thomas, of Wanaka, said a mountain bike was taken in one incident on Thursday.

Burglars had also stolen valuables from two houses yesterday, he said.

Anyone with information on the burglaries is asked to contact Wanaka police on (03) 443 7272. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.