'Noticeable' spike in Dunedin car thieves targeting Subaru vehicles

Car thieves in Dunedin are targeting Subaru vehicles, with a "noticeable" spike in thefts.

Police are encouraging owners to take extra care after an increase in the number of Subaru vehicles reported stolen across the wider Dunedin area in recent months.

Inspector Sam Ramsay from Otago Coastal Police said the offenders were "targeting Subaru vehicles".

"Since August we've recorded almost 30 incidents involving stolen Subaru vehicles across the Otago Coastal area, with a noticeable increase during October," he said.

"It's unacceptable, and while we're actively following a number of leads, we also rely on information from the public to help identify those responsible."

Ramsay said it appeared vehicles parked on public streets - particularly residential areas - were being targeted.

"In many cases there is little or no sign of forced entry, with offenders exploiting known vulnerabilities in some vehicle models."

Ramsay acknowledged the offending was frustrating and disruptive for victims.

"Having your vehicle stolen can have a significant impact on people's daily lives, and we know these incidents cause considerable inconvenience and stress," he said.

He advised people to park vehicles off-street or in a locked garage, consider using a steering wheel lock, immobiliser, alarm or other visible security device and always lock their vehicles.

"If you see suspicious behaviour around vehicles, please let police know. Information from members of the public can be crucial in helping us identify offenders and prevent further thefts," he said.

"While many of the vehicles have been recovered, we remain concerned about the risk posed by stolen vehicles being driven on our roads.

"Simple security measures can make a vehicle less attractive to offenders and may prevent a theft from occurring."