Police are stepping up patrols to combat spiking vehicle crime in the Auckland suburb of Flat Bush, with locals saying they feel neglected by authorities as their cars are broken into and stolen.
Officers and community patrollers are now taking to the streets to show residents they are not alone.
Local resident Ronmar said their street had been plagued by car thefts.
"Sometimes we just can't think of how do these people from other areas come to visit here to rob peoples lives," he said.
He had also been a victim.
"When we first moved in here, within six months I got my car robbed, and a couple of things was stolen," said Ronmar.
"It's not very important but it's just the inconvenience, like I can replace all of that, but the time is irreplaceable."
Locals have wondered where the police have been.
"Honestly, we feel like we're being neglected," said Ronmar.
He said the increased police patrols would make a difference.
"I've been asking and requesting them to really patrol on area in here.
"We live in the reserve, people think that it's just very quiet to stop by and do such horrible things."
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Counties Manukau East area police commander Rod Honan said there were certain things that made vehicles an easy target.
"This is an area that has grown exponentially over the years," he said
"As you can see from the houses, they're right on top of each other, with a lot of families living in here, with not a lot of room to park their cars.
"What we're seeing is cars don't have garaging, and they're staying on the roads which makes an easy opportunity for our criminals."
Honan said there were things residents could do to deter criminals.
"If you've got flood lights on the house that always helps, sensors so if anyone does come onto your property the lights go off, and the other thing with vehicles, don't leave things in plain view.
"We don't want to see your iPhone sitting on the dash, or anything else that becomes one of the items that the people want to break into your car and take."
Out on the street, Botany Crime Watch patroller Jack Collins said the message to residents was clear.
"Just don't give up," he said.
"Don't feel defeated that these things are happening and there's nothing to be done about it, there is something that we can do.
"At the end of the day, there's neighbourhood watches out there, we're raising awareness of, if there's one person on every street just looking out for their street, or two, or three people, how are people suppose to do something if we've got eyes all around."
Counties Manukau East police community service manager Anson Lin said part of Operation Flat Bush included checkpoints to engage with the community.
"The reason for the checkpoint is to raise vehicle crime awareness and make sure people understand, how to protect themselves, how to make sure that their vehicle is safe in the area as well," said Lin.
"At the same time, we're taking the opportunity to do breathalizing tests as well, to cover off our safer roads strategy as well."
And for residents like Ronmar, that was a welcome sight.
Elsewhere in the community, Howick local board chairperson Damian Light said everyone had the right to feel safe in their community.
"Having an increased police presence will hopefully reassure the public that the police are aware of the issues, and that they're taking some action and they're focusing on the area," he said.
"It will hopefully deter as well, and I think a strong police presence is quite a good deterrent, which is good, it doesn't necessarily solve the problem, but at least it stops people's houses, property, and vehicle getting broken into."
