Manawatu Criminal Investigation 
Branch Detective Sergeant Carl Newton:

In recent weeks, Manawatu Police have noticed an increase in vehicle related 
crime in the wider Manawatu region.

Since the beginning of 2022, approximately 350 vehicles have been stolen as 
well as a number of trailers.

Police believe a number of these thefts can be attributed to a comparatively 
small number offenders.

Since the start of the year, six offenders have been positively identified as 
collectively committing over 80 vehicle offences in the region.

Police are committed to actively investigating vehicle theft and holding 
offenders to account.

However, Police cannot be everywhere at once and cannot deter opportunistic 
thieves on our own.

Police urge people to take measures in order to prevent their car from being 
stolen in the first place.

Detective Sergeant Carl Newton says “while the vast majority of stolen cars 
are recovered by Police, they are often damaged, and the theft of a vehicle 
is not only disruptive but upsetting for many people. Ensuring your vehicle 
is secure will cost you nothing and can help to avoid the distress and cost 
associated with car theft”.

Taking measures such as ensuring that when your car is unattended, it is 
locked and all valuable items are removed or concealed from view is 
important.

If possible, park your vehicle in a garage, but if it must be parked on the 
road, try to park in a well-lit, busy area.

There are also anti-theft devices that are available for trailers that will 
help prevent theft.

By making your vehicle more challenging to steal, opportunistic thieves will 
be more likely to leave it alone.

If you notice suspicious activity around cars, please contact Police on 111 
if it is happening and 105 after the fact.

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