A man convicted of stealing cars in Nelson has revealed the reason he does it: to teach people a lesson.
Police say there has been a huge increase in the number of vehicles stolen in Nelson and Tasman, with around half of those cars unlocked and with the keys still in the ignition.
There have been several arrests in relation to car thefts over the past month and Senior Sergeant John Price says one of the “young men” arrested gave a bizarre insight into why he steals cars. “He said he wanted to give people a lesson about leaving the keys in their car – that’s how easy it is. It might be admirable that he wants to help educate the community but we think we can do it in a better way.”
John says more than 50 per cent of reported car thefts are cars that are unlocked.
“Some offenders walk around communities trying door handles. If they are locked they leave them alone – that’s the reality.”
The thefts are happening across the district, but mainly from Atawhai to Richmond. They aren’t being stolen for parts or to try and sell, says John. “They’re taking it for a joy ride, using up the petrol, damaging the vehicle and then dumping it.
“A car can be some people’s biggest asset, therefore it can be very traumatic. It’s the thing they have worked hard for, earning money to buy, so we really want people to try to look after it as well.”
The majority of the cars are stolen from outside homes, up driveways and even in open garages.
John says it is never the victims fault but car owners can help themselves to make sure it doesn’t happen to them. “These are not sophisticated people carrying out these crimes – they are simply taking advantage of opportunities, so by locking your car you’ll go a long way to keeping it safe.”
John urges vehicle owners to lock their cars, even if they are on their own property, and says those that do will go a long way to putting off potential thieves.
“It’s simple, but in many cases it works.”
John says several offenders are currently going through the court system after being arrested.
