Police are reminding motorists to make sure their vehicles are securely locked, and valuables removed, after a spate of recent break-ins and thefts.
Counties Manukau South Area Commander, Inspector Joe Hunter says taking a few easy measures could prevent further harm and offending.
"In one swoop, by removing something as simple as a debit card with pay wave could stop an opportunist from going on to commit further offending," he says.
In some instances, vehicles are left unlocked with other valuable electronic or personal items still inside.
"It's a timely reminder to ensure vehicles are secured and valuables removed. Victims certainly aren't to blame for these events - however we can take a few practical steps to make crime harder to commit in our communities.
"Motorists should also consider where they park if possible, and to install a car alarm, especially if they are forced to park on the roadside or in a driveway," Inspector Hunter says.
The warning comes after Police arrested a 34-year-old woman, who is alleged to have used stolen credit cards at various petrol stations in Pukekohe and Papakura.
The cards were taken from a vehicle parked in the driveway of a home in Pokeno at around 5.30pm on Tuesday 5 March.
"A wallet was among personal items stolen, and credit cards from the wallet were used almost immediately to purchase goods using pay wave at several petrol stations in the wider area.
"We are investigating several similar cases as this trend of offending continues in our community."
Inspector Hunter says Police staff quickly identified a person of interest after reviewing CCTV footage from one of the petrol stations.
"Yesterday, the suspect was located in a vehicle parked across the road from the Pukekohe Police Station and taken into custody."
She is scheduled to reappear in the Pukekohe District Court on 27 March facing a raft of charges relating to theft.
