Thieves are increasingly targeting tradies' vehicles, hoping to find expensive tools to sell on.
Hawke's Bay Police have warned via Facebook of a rise in vans and ute break-ins and are encouraging tradies to lock vehicles and park off the street if possible.
Sergeant Nigel Hurley of Hawke's Bay Community Prevention Team said people should tell police if they see anyone acting suspiciously.
"It can take as little as 30 seconds for an offender to smash a window and take several power tools from a vehicle.
"Please report any suspicious behaviour to us as soon as you can - your call is often our window of opportunity and quickly closes.