Wānaka Police are urging people to lock their homes and vehicles as the latest string of break-ins happened over the weekend in Hawea. A number of vehicles were interfered with in Lake Hawea between Timsfield, Capell Ave, and Lakeview Terrace. Police confirmed there were nine vehicles broken into on the weekend of January 18 and one of those cars stolen then involved in an accident. Sen Sgt Cranfield reminded local residents there is a need to keep homes and cars secure. "We constantly give prevention advice to lock vehicles, but people don’t seemed to listen ... until they become a victim."

Source: Otago Daily Times January 24, 2026 15:04 UTC