The face of cybercrime is changing as criminals target social networking sites and mobile devices, and a new report says New Zealanders are vulnerable.

Busy retail areas in Takapuna, New Lynn, Silverdale and Henderson are "hot spots" where motorists are most likely to have their cars stolen or broken into.

Two lots of Good Samaritans in Gisborne who helped a man dressed as a woman had their kindness repaid with being robbed.

A Waikato regional councillor has pocketed more than $40,000 in expenses - taking his annual salary into the six-figure bracket.

Stock, cattle drenches, electric fences and even unused scrap metal are in the crosshairs of thieves targeting farms and rural lifestyle blocks.

Leo Gao describes his regrets after succumbing to temptation following Westpac's $10m bank error.