Police are reporting a “slight” increase in thefts from vehicles occurring in Christchurch.

Christchurch Area Community Services Manager Senior Sergeant Ian Appley said police are seeing the same mistakes time and time again. 

“People leave valuables in their car or leave their vehicle unlocked which gives offenders ample opportunity to take their belongings.”

“Anyone that sees suspicious activity around vehicles can call police on 111 if it happening or 105 after the fact.”

“It is important that every incident of theft from cars is reported to police so that police can appropriate resources effectively and aim to prevent more in the future.”

He said supplying video footage of the incident is also helpful to police after the offence has taken place.

“If police can identify the person in that footage, police will investigate and hold that offender to account.”

“In some cases, identification of the individual responsible is not always possible.”

Senior Sergeant Appley’s top tips for preventing theft from your vehicle include:

1.  Invest in a steering wheel lock to show thieves that you have security in place and make them less likely to target your vehicle.
2. Put a prevention sticker on your windows or flashing LEDs on the dashboard.
3. Always lock your car, even when you are parked in your own driveway.
4. Avoid leaving valuables like CDs, laptops, mobile phones, GPS devices and iPods in your car. 

5. If you have to leave them there, make sure they are out of sight.
6. Try to park in well-lit areas if you park your car on the street overnight.