Don't let your guard down, visitors warned

Visitors to Rotorua will be warned they may be targeted by criminals.

The warning is contained in a brochure that will be distributed to motels in the city next week.

Six thousand of the brochures have been printed as part of an initiative by the Rotorua District Council, police and other organisations to reduce crime against tourists.

Ten per cent of burglaries in Rotorua happen at motels and hotels, and police say tourists are viewed as "soft targets" for muggings because they tend to carry cash and valuables.

Police area tactical response manager Inspector Steve Bullock said half the burglaries in Rotorua's tourist accommodation happened when doors were left unlocked or property was not secured.

"Tourists are coming here and letting their guard down," he said.

Mr Bullock said it was "a host responsibility" to warn visitors that they could be targets of crime.

Rotorua people also needed to look out for thieves targeting tourists.

The brochure advises visitors to lock vehicles and not leave items on seats when visiting tourist attractions.

It also suggests closing and securing windows and doors when in motels and hotels.

"Just like anywhere in the world, we urge you to use common sense and take a few simple precautions to enhance your positive experience of this wonderful destination," the brochure says.

The council's community safety projects officer, Juanita Seymour, said careful thought had gone into the wording.

"It's not intended to frighten people," she said.

Local moteliers spoken to by the Herald supported the initiative, including Noel Rivett, whose Aywon Motel was the scene of the armed robbery involving six Taiwanese tourists 10 days ago.

"It's quite exciting that they're being proactive and warning people that we're no different to anywhere else," he said.

Mr Rivett said the brochure looked "very well done".

The manager of the Heywoods Motor Lodge, Barry Hartford, did not think the brochure detracted from the image of Rotorua.

"It's not saying that Rotorua's not a safe place.

"It's making people aware while they're in holiday mood that things do happen no matter where they are," he said.

Diana Bradshaw, owner of Jack & Di's Lake View Accommodation, said tourists who had items stolen had to go through a lot of difficulty to retrieve or replace their property.

"At the end of the day we want to look after the tourists."

The Motel Association of New Zealand said its 36 member motels in Rotorua supported the brochure, as did Tourism New Zealand.

"It's a good idea," said chief executive George Hickton.

"People can be lulled into a false sense of security in New Zealand."

Mr Hickton said warning tourists to take common-sense precautions was important.

"If you don't, we get these sorts of incidents that can give us a bad reputation."