Whangarei was hit with a crime spree over the weekend in which more than 50 vehicles had their tyres slashed.
Police are investigating after receiving 53 reports of tyres being intentionally damaged between Saturday evening and early Sunday morning. There were incidents in Kamo, Tikipunga, Maunu, Onerahi and Ruakaka.
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Senior sergeant John Fagan says anyone whose vehicles were affected should contact Whangarei Police so that the culprits can be brought to justice.
"Police are really disappointed that someone in our community has undertaken what we see as pointless offending," he says.
He advises locals to park their vehicles off road or in a secure garage if possible, and to report any suspicious activity they might witness in the area.
"Someone in our community will know who is responsible," he says.
"This crime spree has affected many people and it will cost each person or family many hundreds of dollars to replace the tyres."
Midas Whangarei is offering free second-hand tyres to those who have had their own slashed over the weekend.
Annette McFarlane from Midas says so far, the company has given away three tyres to victims of the attacks.
"It's tricky because there are so many different kinds of tyres."
She told Newshub that the public reaction to Midas' offer has been very positive, and that there are still 12 tyres available for those who need them.
Other local tyre dealers have been told to ask their customers to report any incidents of tyre slashing to Police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Whangarei Police on (09) 430 4500, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
