Beach security, secure your valuables

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Planning to hit the beach this summer? Don't forget to secure your valuables or you could be left seriously out of pocket, according to State insurance.

Research conducted in conjunction with IAG into claims data for all New Zealand over the twelve months to November 30, 2015 revealed almost more than a third (34 per cent) of all thefts from beaches happened in the Auckland region, with an average cost of more than $2000.

More than a quarter (29 per cent) of beach thefts had involved items being stolen from vehicles, while another common cause (16 per cent) was items being stolen from the beach while their owner was swimming.

State's general manager claims Ruth Colenso said the findings highlighted the need to stay vigilant and take advantage of opportunities to keep your belongings safe.

"Many people choose to head to their favourite beach to help relax over the summer months but we would encourage them not to relax their approach to keeping their personal belongings secure," she said.

State's claims technical manager Chris Lysaght said a common sense approach would go a long way to keeping your belongs safer at the beach.

"If you're heading to the beach then consider leaving valuables you don't need at home, that way you won't be tempted to leave them unattended in a car," he said.

"If you do have to leave them in a car make sure they're not in plain sight, and not covered by a towel or blanket as that can raise questions in a thief's mind of what goodies may be covered up".

State Insurance and police throughout the Auckland and Bay of Plenty region are both providing assistance to beach goers to help keep your belongings safer this summer.

To help keep your valuables safer while you go for dip, State is providing temporary beach lockers at several beaches over January and February.

For a gold coin donation to Surf Life Saving New Zealand, you can stow your belongings away in a locker while you go and enjoy the beach. There will also be flyers from the police to help keep your car secure.

State beach lockers are available at: Waihi on January 30, 31, and February 1 and Mount Manganui on February 6, 7, 8.