Summer spike fears prompt fresh warning from Waitematā Police

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

As summer heats up and people spend more time outdoors, police are reminding the public to take simple steps to reduce the chance of "opportunistic theft" over the festive season.

Waitematā Police in West Auckland say burglaries at this time of year often aren’t the dramatic break-ins people imagine.

Instead, they’re quick thefts from open garages, unlocked cars, and homes with doors or windows left ajar for ventilation.

“Most burglaries aren’t late-night raids for TVs,” Inspector Kelly Farrant, Acting District Prevention Manager, says in a statement. “They’re thefts from driveways, front yards and unlocked garages. Many happen in broad daylight, even when people are home.”

She says warm weather means more open doors and windows, and thieves look for places that are easy to enter. Christmas presents in plain sight and parcels left at the door also make tempting targets.

Police say warm weather means more open doors and windows, and thieves look for places that are easy to enter. Photo/Bookabach/file

Police suggest organising deliveries to a trusted neighbour or secure location, and asking someone to clear mail if you’re heading away.

Construction sites around growing suburbs such as Westgate are also being hit. “Tools and materials left unsecured are obvious targets,” Inspector Farrant says.

She recommends temporary fencing, lighting, cameras and securing external fixtures.

Advice from online, Neighbourhood Support

Neighbourhood Support New Zealand echoes the police message, saying prevention mostly comes down to three basics: locks, lights, and clear sight lines.

The group encourages residents to keep windows and doors locked when not in use, avoid hiding spare keys, use outdoor lighting, and trim hedges or shrubs that could give cover to offenders.

They also say a strong relationship with neighbours is one of the best defences, and a house that looks lived-in is less likely to be targeted.

Online community groups show many residents are taking security more seriously.

A user on Reddit’s Auckland shared that after a break-in near their street, they added simple deterrents: “Alarm. Leave things out of plain sight … flood lights and security cameras. It’s not fancy, but it works.”

Another local commented that cameras alone aren’t a full solution: “Cameras are good, but they mostly record offenders after they’ve already been at your place. Layers of security help more.”

Online community groups show many residents are taking security more seriously but cameras alone aren’t a full solution. Photo/dynamicsecurity.co.nz

These community voices all reflect the same point: no single measure is perfect, but a mix of small steps can significantly reduce risk.

Recent police data shows Waitematā, with a population of just under 90,000 people (2023 Census), still records a big number of offences each year: more than 30,600 incidents in the latest annual reporting period, including over 440 burglary and unlawful entry cases.

While the district has seen a drop in burglaries of nearly 24 per cent compared with the previous year, thefts and break-ins remain high enough for police to keep the area a priority for summer prevention work.

Auckland (just over 1.8 million people - StatsNZ) overall sits around 13 burglaries per 1000 people each year, which puts the city close to the national urban average.

These numbers help explain why Waitematā Police are pushing their summer security message now.

The public is reminded to take simple steps to reduce the chance of "opportunistic theft" over the festive season. Photo/PMN

Simple steps to stay safe this summer

For homes:
• Lock doors and windows, even when you’re home but in another room.
• Use window stays if you want airflow without leaving windows wide open.
• Close curtains at night.
• Let neighbours know if you’re travelling, and keep mail collected.

For vehicles:
• Always lock your vehicle and take keys with you.
• Remove valuables from sight - wallets, tools, shopping, devices.
• Park in well-lit areas or garages where possible.
• Consider visible deterrents like steering-wheel locks.

For worksites:
• Secure tools and materials.
• Use temporary fencing, good lighting or cameras.
• Lock external fixtures such as hot-water units.

Police are urging the public to report suspicious activity quickly.
Call 111 if it’s happening now, or contact police via 105 for non-emergencies and after-the-fact reports.