Those parking in local conservation carparks have been returning to their cars to find the petrol tanks drained and sometimes plugged with chewing gum or putty.
Police have received seven reports of alleged petrol thefts from cars parked in Department of Conservation carparks in the past month with holes drilled through the petrol tank on most of those vehicles.
Nelson Bays area prevention manager, senior sergeant Adam Ramsay, says petrol was allegedly stolen from vehicles parked overnight at the Siberia Flat carpark, Wangapeka, Flora carpark in Kahurangi National Park and the Hackett Hutt carpark in Aniseed Valley.
In most instances, he says holes were drilled through the petrol tank to syphon the fuel and in some cases the hole was patched with putty or chewing gum. Most vehicle owners only noticed the theft after leaving the carpark and realising their fuel tank was empty or significantly drained.
Due to the remote locations and timing, he says the incidents are typically not witnessed and go unreported until the following day. He says there may be further incidents that have gone unreported or unnoticed due to the drilled holes being patched and the police want to hear from anyone who has not reported it.
Police are working with the Department of Conservation and security contractors in an effort to identify the offender/s and he urges anyone who had petrol stolen or saw suspicious activity to contact police on 105.
If anyone sees suspicious activity happening, contact police via 111.
