Car thieves hit concerts

Press, 5 March 1987, Page 14

Car thieves hit concerts

PA Auckland Professional car-theft gangs have stolen more than 100 vehicles from outside big Auckland rock concerts this summer, according to the police. As many as 30 cars were taken from the streets surrounding Western Springs and Mount Smart stadiums each night a concert was held. With more big shows, police plan to have teams of detectives and undercover officers patrolling car-parks and streets.

Detective Senior-Ser-geant Brian Kemp, of the Auckland car squad, said big concerts presented “a haven for thieves... There is a captive audience inside for two to three hours and thieves know they have got that time to do what they like to the cars that are there.”. He said visitors to Auckland often naively forgot to lock their cars while at concerts, while others left valuables oh view.

"People have to realise this is organised crime. It ranges from people looking for quick cash or cheque books to people wanting to steal cars.” Mr Kemp said most of the cars were stolen to order, and were later stripped for parts or sold with new registration plates and engine numbers.

Cars recovered were usually stripped of anything of value, including stereos and other accessories, he said.