Australian tourist's iPad stolen. Then it got worse

Police are urging iPad owners to check their security settings.

An Australian man visiting Hamilton blames "naivety" when he found out his bank account was emptied, after a thief stole his tablet from a rented car.

The 39-year-old Australian man parked his rented car at a friend's house on Clarkin Rd last weekend, when he discovered his iPad among other items were stolen from the car.

He then discovered the thief had accessed his bank account, by using credit card details stored when he had purchase apps, music and movies.

District prevention manager inspector Kent Holdsworth urged electronic devices owners to check their security settings as this could happen to anyone.

Mr Holdsworth said Police had sought advice from the New Zealand Bankers' Association who said customer security was a "major priority for banks" in the country.

"An example of this is bank systems monitor account use and can detect unusual spending patterns to help prevent attempts by fraudsters to access accounts," he said.

This theft came after another Australian couple who were visiting Hamilton for their daughter's wedding, has had cameras containing footage of the wedding stolen from their rented car in their motel carpark on Ulster St.

Fraud safety tips

If you use your mobile device for banking:

1. Use your device's password lock feature.

2. Change your passwords periodically, and make sure they are not easily guessable.

3. Shield your passwords from people around you.

4. Contact your bank immediately if you lose your device or it is stolen.

5. Only download apps from trusted sources.

6. Check your statements. Advise your bank immediately of any unauthorised transactions.

When shopping and banking online:

1. Logon to internet banking by typing in your bank's full web address. Do not use links that appear to take you to your bank's website.

2. Avoid public computers and public Wi-Fi for internet banking, e.g. internet cafes, libraries or hotels.

3. Protect your identity information and only provide it to trusted people and organisations. This includes your date of birth, address, driver's licence number and passport details.

4. Shop with trusted retailers. Before you provide personal information make sure they will protect that information.