Car thieves endangering people: Police

Car thieves are endangering people around them.

A car chase in Western Heights was just one example of public safety being put at risk by car thieves, police say.

The chase on Monday happened after the car was spotted by an officer on patrol on the suburb, Rotorua police prevention manager Inspector Stu Nightingale said.

Mr Nightingale told the Rotorua Daily Post there had been an increase in cars being taken unlawfully in the city, but the public could help by making sure their vehicles were secured and reporting any suspicious behaviour.

Mr Nightingale said there was no particular type of vehicle stolen, nor a hotspot for such offending.

"We're concerned about this type of behaviour as it has considerable risk," he said.

"A pursuit creates huge risk for the driver and other members of the public. Realising your car has been stolen is tremendously upsetting and it's an area of offending we give high priority.

"Poor driving is consistent with people being in vehicles not belonging to them and that needs to be reported."

He said they had patrols in areas such as Western Heights on the look out for car thieves. Cars were being taken from residential streets and from some rural areas south of Rotorua. "There have also been occasions where they have been used in other offending and that compounds the problem."

He said the public could help keep their city safe by keeping cars locked and parked in well lit areas or as far down driveways as possible. "Consider an alarm and other security devices."

Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles should call police on (07) 348 0099 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.