KEY POINTS:
Operation Speedo - a crime prevention move on Auckland's west coast beaches this summer - has cut the usually high number of reported thefts in carparks.
So far this holiday period, seven thefts have been reported to police compared with 20 at the same time last year.
Auckland Regional Council park rangers, volunteer firefighters and council parking and security staff are in radio contact with two police officers dedicated to the operation.
They have a wide knowledge of the area and thieves' habits and can be quickly on hand at beaches and walking tracks if officials or visitors report suspicious activity.
In turn, a lone constable dealing with a case of disorderly behaviour at Piha was able to call on lifeguards and beach visitors for help, said Michael Alofa, who leads Waitakere City Council crime prevention.
Despite a "fantastic effort of collaboration" to prevent crimes, seven offences were reported, said Mr Alofa.
In one, two tourists lost passports and bags from their car.
"The project aims to stop car owners leaving valuable personal items in their cars, so a checklist of ways to prevent thefts is put on windscreens or in unlocked vehicles."
