Car burglars running amok

Police in Kaitaia are dealing with a spate of thefts from cars that shows no sign of abating.

Numerous vehicles have been broken into in and around Kaitaia over recent days, in many cases the thieves smashing windows to gain entry, often for very little reward.

Some valuable property has been taken, however, including a highly distinctive surfboard stolen from a tourist's vehicle at Ahipara on Sunday night.

Five vehicles were broken into in one location, Constable Rowena Jones said, all the victims being overseas tourists (three German, one English and one American).

"It's very disappointing for our visitors and for our tourism industry," Ms Jones said, adding she hoped the surfboard would be recovered.

She described it as expensive, one of a kind, custom made by Mickey T, the owner purchasing it just three days before it was stolen.

A number of vehicles have also been unlawfully taken over recent days, including a Nissan Navara from Ahipara. It was found 500 metres along 90 Mile Beach, stuck in soft sand low enough for the tide to have lapped around the wheels.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who can identify the owner of an Ice Cub fleece-lined denim jacket that was left in the vehicle, or the owner is welcome to collect it from the public counter at the Kaitaia police station.

Meanwhile, police are asking for public assistance in locating 18-year-old Renata Toia, believed to be an "active car offender" and currently in the Kaitaia area. He is also wanted on what Detective Sergeant Trevor Beatson said were numerous warrants to arrest.

Anyone who has any information regarding Toia, any of the vehicles taken or property stolen is asked to contact the Kaitaia police station phone 408-6500.

A police spokesman urged extra vigilance on the part of vehicle owners in light of recent events.

That included ensuring that valuables, or any property that might appeal to a thief, was not left where it could be seen, and that unattended vehicles were locked at all times, no matter how close they might be to the owner's residence.