Police are urging members of the public to lock up their valuables after an increase in car burglaries and mail theft, particularly on the North West Coast.

Since July 1 last year, stolen motor vehicles have increased by 28.6 per cent in the Western District – with 126 reports compared to 98 for same period in the previous year.

Motor vehicle burglaries have also increased with 197 reported between 1 July 2023 and March 8, 2024.

Most recently, police charged two teenage boys with a series of burglaries in the Wynyard area late last month and two youths will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act for the same offences.

Detective Sergeant Alex Bonde said the majority of incidents were opportunistic.

“Unfortunately in a lot of these cases, vehicles were not secure, and valuables are being left in plain sight,” he said.

“Police are urging members of the public to lock their vehicles, ensure valuables are not visible, and to not hide spare keys that are easily accessible.

Detective Sergeant Bonde said Western District police were also investigating an increase in mail theft.

Late last year, police charged a 29 year old Devonport man with Unlawful possession of property after more than 20 identification cards were found and believed to have been stolen from letterboxes in the Devonport area.

“Criminals target letterboxes to obtain licences, bank cards or other documents able to be used to assist in obtaining false identifications, creating fraudulent accounts or simply obtaining goods utilising stolen bank cards,” he said.

“Consider adding a lock to your letterbox to secure your mail, and don’t leave your mailbox unattended for long periods.

“If you are heading away or unable to collect your mail for a period of time, make arrangements for your mail to be collected.”