Car theft also increased significantly in the summer months, with the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Tiida, Toyota Aqua and Toyota Hilux being top targets. Northland District prevention manager Dean Robinson said the region’s geography meant officers couldn’t be everywhere at the same time. “There’s a period for a few weeks where we shorten staffing in some areas to increase the staffing in other areas,” Robinson said. Robinson encouraged people to get to know their neighbours as a way to protect their property over summer. “Making your house look like a fortress is actually supporting the opportunistic offender who’s actually trying to duck behind that six-foot fence,” Robinson said.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 25, 2025 07:40 UTC