The Ahuriri hospitality district is a popular one for locals and visitors seeking a fine bar or restaurant to relax at — but it is also a popular spot for well-equipped thieves.
The district's community constable Mike Burne said there had been a string of recent thefts and incident reports showed cars belonging to people having a night out or staying at local accommodation had been targeted.
Reports also showed the message to keep items hidden from view had in too many cases not been heeded.
"Almost all the vehicles targeted have items desirable to our thief within view," Mr Burne said.
He reeled off a string of desirable targets including "flash mountain bikes" strapped to roof racks, wallets and cellphones left on seats and "tell-tale" rings left on windscreens which indicate there is likely to be radar detector device somewhere inside.