Police are telling Invercargill residents to lock up and strip their cars bare as vehicle thefts spike across the region.
Southland Police have apprehended several offenders already, but Sergeant Kelvin Templeton says the offending is still active enough to warrant a public warning — and a clear list of what people can do right now.
"Avoid leaving items in your vehicle that could attract attention. The less you leave in your car, the better. It's also useful to park off the road, and in carports or locked garages if possible," Templeton said.
Steering wheel locks are getting a specific mention from police — low cost, visible deterrent, and apparently enough to push a thief toward an easier target. "Steering wheel locks are also a cost-effective way to protect your car and make it less attractive to thieves," Templeton said.
CCTV is the other priority. If you've got cameras or security lighting, Templeton wants them checked — now, before something goes missing. "If you have CCTV cameras and security lighting, please make sure they are working and pointing in the right direction. In the event your vehicle is stolen, the footage would help with a Police investigation."
The vehicles being targeted are specific. Toyota Aqua, Nissan Tiida, Mazda Atenza and various Subaru models are all on the list, along with older 4WD utes — Mazda Bounty, Toyota Hilux and Ford Courier. If you own any of these, you're worth a second look from the wrong kind of person right now.
Most thefts are happening from the street, but several vehicles have been taken from private properties. That's the part worth sitting with — being parked in your own driveway hasn't been enough.
Templeton's message on reporting is direct: if you see something, call 111 immediately. "The quicker Police receive a report, the faster we can act. Even in cases where an immediate response isn't possible, the reports help with tracking where offenders were operating. It's valuable intelligence. If you can't report something straight away, please still tell us about it by making a report through 105."
Several of those caught in recent weeks have been young people. Police are asking parents and caregivers who have concerns about their child's movements or behaviour to contact their local police station.