Serial thief targeting cars at Western Bay of Plenty parks

A serial thief is believed to be targeting cars at Western Bay parks. Photo/file

A serial thief is believed to be responsible for a spike in thefts from vehicles in the Bay of Plenty.

Police are warning people never to leave items unattended in vehicles at popular walks and reserves around the Western Bay of Plenty.

Kaiate Falls is popular among visitors and residents in the Western Bay of Plenty. Photo/file

Sergeant Tristan Murray said Papamoa police noticed the spike in thefts from vehicles, particularly at the Kaiate Falls Carpark in Welcome Bay and the Otawa Trig Carpark near Te Puke.

In the past 10 days, there have been six vehicles broken into and items stolen, he said.

Police would like to remind residents and tourists alike that it's never safe to leave items unattended in vehicles. These thefts have been occurring during the week and appear to be the work of a recidivist offender who is targeting the area, he said.

If anyone has any information in regards to the thefts please call either anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Papamoa Police Station on (07) 572 2440.