There has been a spate of thefts from vehicles in Ashburton's town centre.

Senior Sergeant Janine Bowden said there had been four thefts from vehicles in the past week.

Opportunistic thieves had stolen items including a handbag and backpacks from vehicles in the West Street car park and larger commercial car parks. She said the thieves had struck between 2pm and 11pm.

A mountain bike was also stolen off a parked vehicle recently, and trailers were also at risk.

Bowden said thieves were picking high-value items that were easy to sell on.

She urged locals to be mindful of where they park, to lock vehicles and bikes, and either take valuables with them or store them out of sight.

The other side if this offending was receiving, Bowden said.

"Something for sale well under the market rate was an indication of suspicious aspects regarding ownership."

Bowden said police were always interested in information about the sale of potentially stolen items. Information could be provided directly to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"There was often a relationship between drugs and this sort of offending with people stealing to fund their drug habit," she said.

By Sharon Davis