Tourist warns others after valuables stolen from car

This German tourist had his car broken into when visiting Abbey Caves. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A German tourist holidaying in Northland who lost "nearly everything" when his car was broken into is urging others to keep their valuables in a safe place.

Henry, who did not want his last name to be used, was visiting Abbey Caves in Whangarei on Sunday with three others when his car, which he had bought the day before, was targeted and his belongings taken.

There are signs at Abbey Caves warning people not to leave valuables in their vehicles but Henry admits he ignored them, thinking New Zealand would be a safe place. However, the signs are there to warn of thieves who lurk around for an opportunity to pounce on anything left in vehicles while people visit the caves.

"We came back and all the doors were open and the front passenger side window smashed. It was a big shock, they took several things out, including two big backpacks and a number of smaller bags," he said.

Henry had been in Whangarei for 10 days and had the car filled with gear as he planned to take a trip to Kaitaia after a visit to Abbey Caves. He said he lost "just about everything" including clothing, his sleeping bag, his wallet containing a German driver licence, passport and credit card, an iPad and his camera.

The 19-year-old said he was not appealing for help from the public but wanted to remind others to ensure their valuables were kept in a safe place.

"Don't leave anything in your car leave it back at the hostel. In Germany you can leave what you want in your car and it is safe."

Signs on the roadside entrance to Abbey Caves, which the group admitted ignoring, emphasised the message - hide it, lock it, report it.

Abbey Caves is one of eight car parks monitored during summer under a programme coordinated by Whangarei District Council.

Every weekend and public holiday from December 1 to Easter, volunteers monitor tourist spots in the district with the aim of reducing crime.

WDC community safety officer David Palmer said it was a success.

"There are no thefts during this programme. But unfortunately we can't be there all the time," he said.

Mr Palmer said a camera operated at Abbey Caves and he believed footage from when Henry's car was broken into had been passed on to police.