Dunedin police warn of spike in Subaru vehicle thefts

Police in the Otago Coastal area are warning Subaru owners to increase security following a surge in vehicle thefts. Since August, authorities have recorded nearly 30 incidents involving stolen Subarus, with a notable increase occurring in October.

Inspector Sam Ramsay stated that thieves are frequently targeting vehicles parked on public streets, particularly within residential areas. In many instances, there are little to no signs of forced entry, as offenders appear to be exploiting known vulnerabilities in specific vehicle models.

While many of the stolen vehicles have been recovered, police expressed ongoing concern regarding the risks posed by stolen cars being driven on public roads. Authorities are encouraging owners to park in locked garages or off-street locations, use visible security devices such as steering wheel locks or immobilisers, and always ensure vehicles are locked even when parked at home.