The number of thefts from vehicles in Napier is extremely high, according to police data. Photo / File
The high number of thefts from cars in Napier has risen noticeably since 2014.
There were approximately 1000 thefts reported from motor vehicles in the two and a half years to December 2016, according to police data obtained by Hawke's Bay Today.
The figures are included in the most in depth look at crime data undertaken in New Zealand, led by Herald Insights.
Eastern District Commander Sandra Venables said non-violent crime had reduced in the months since December last year.
"While police have seen an increase in non-violent crime across the Hawke's Bay area, it has been improving since it peaked in November, 2016," she said.
Just under 1000 thefts from cars were reported in Hastings over the same time, despite its higher population.
Theft from cars was the fourth most common type of crime - far more common than stealing cars.
Labour police spokesman and Napier MP Stuart Nash said this type of offence was generally drug-related.
The Government announced 68 new police officers for the district in April, to be deployed over a period of four years.
Eastern District commander Sandra Venables said it was a "significant investment".
"We will be working with our staff, our partners, and our communities ... to deploy in ways which will make the most difference in our communities," she said.
Mr Nash said he welcomed more police in the district but it was not enough and four years was too long to wait.
It's a matter of urgency. We can't wait four years.
He said he was watching where the new police would be deployed as the Eastern District covered Gisborne as well as Hawke's Bay.
Napier's National candidate David Elliot said the roll-out of extra officers was delayed due to the lengthy training process.