A spate of thefts from vehicles in car parks at Dunedin's Moana Pool has led to a warning being issued to keep possessions - and gifts - under wraps.
Pool staff recently notified swimmers and those using other facilities that thieves had been targeting public and staff car parks on Littlebourne Rd, and three "smash-and-grab" incidents had been reported in a week.
Dunedin City Council aquatic services manager Steve Prescott said a staff member was also caught out just before Christmas.
She had gifts for her family, worth about $400, stolen from her vehicle.
"At this time of year there are probably more opportunities around for people who have those inclinations. It was a bit of a blow. She realised she probably shouldn't have left them there."
The woman had to buy replacement presents before Christmas Day.
Aquatic services staff were investigating cost-effective ways of installing security cameras to monitor the public and employee car parks, Mr Prescott said.
Buying and installing cameras compatible with the pool's existing security could take a "good chunk" of the pool's discretionary budget, costing up to $40,000.
"It has never been a major problem, but cameras would also add to staff security," he said.
Senior Sergeant Mel Aitken, of Dunedin, said while there could be opportunistic smash-and-grab crimes near Christmas, there were very few incidents reported in Dunedin each year.
"There are periods where there are a few incidents, but these generally relate to one or two offenders and once they are caught it dries up.
"It is a reminder to not leave valuable possessions in vehicles and report any suspicious activity around car parks.
"People could also leave glove boxes open so thieves can see there's nothing hidden or valuable in the car."
