Tourist Car Park Theft

New Zealand wide, the problem of hire cars, campervans and motor homes being broken into has been described as an epidemic. In the year to last June, more than 53,000 people reported having something stolen from their vehicle.

Police report that thieves are becoming more brazen in their attempts to break into rental cars, campervans and mobile homes. Surveillance cameras are installed at many popular tourist car parks but a police report said thieves were no longer deterred.

Warning signs urging people to ‘lock it or lose it’ are now common place in many public car parks, but tourist hotspots are often the hardest-hit. Coach drivers dropping off tourist at the the Tongariro National Park, have been warning motorists to empty their vehicles, and some tourist have reported been told to leave their glove box open and doors unlocked so thieves can see there is nothing inside – saving windows from getting smashed.

Other attractions such as Craters of the Moon, a geothermal area north of Taupo, have tried to tackle the problem by having volunteers supervise vehicles during the day, while other areas use the inclusion of a ‘car park shop’ as a deterrent.

New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with a very low crime rate. BUT:

Don’t leave valuables (especially your passport, cash or cameras) in rental cars or campervans, particularly at scenic spots or at trail-heads for popular tramps.

Don’t think that, because the scenic spot car park is busy, your hire car etc wont get broken into. Busy car parks are the ones targeted by thieves.

Don’t try and hide valuables from view.

Don’t think that its only locals committing the theft. Its often tourists. The north Island has more of this type of theft problem than the South Island.

Don’t leave skis or snowboards on roof racks unlocked or on view inside your rental vehicle.

Don’t believe that a car park based store or kiosk will look after your rental car or motorhome.

Do hire a New Zealand motor home or campervan with a built in safe. Many New Zealand hire companies have them as a standard feature. All Bay of Islands campervans have a built in safe!