A dozen vehicles have been stolen around Southland over the past three weeks and police are urging drivers to protect themselves from theft. All but two of the vehicles were recovered, with many of them being dumped. Police think it's possible that just one group is responsible for the opportunistic thefts. Police have increased patrols in the areas where the cars have been taken and the recovered vehicles are being forensically examined. Police want to remind people to lock their vehicles and leave the keys in a safe and secure area.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 23, 2016 07:18 UTC