‘Opportunity' isn't picky – it knocks for both the honest and dishonest alike.

With a spike in stolen vehicles, and particularly trailers, in the Western Bay recently, police are appealing to the public to help them prevent crime by removing the opportunity for thieves to offend.

CCTV footage of a vehicle police suspect was used during the theft of a trailer from a Papamoa property on July 25. Images: NZ Police.

As an example, Western Bay of Plenty area response manager Senior Sergeant Mark Pakes says vehicles left up driveways with the keys in them provide an easy target for thieves.

'Removing your keys is an easy step to take and greatly reduces the chance of your vehicle being targeted.

'The few extra seconds it takes to make sure your vehicles are locked and valuables removed is far less painful then the impact and inconvenience caused when you have to deal with a stolen vehicle.”

Mark also advises people to remove their trailers from plain site in their driveways if possible, as well as using a trailer lock. It can also be helpful to put your trailer under a security light or next to a dog kennel to help deter thieves.

'Police encourage anyone who experiences theft or sees suspicious activity to come forward as soon as possible. The quicker police can receive information, the more likely it is they are going to be able to solve the crime,” says Mark.

Police ask anyone who has information on the recent thefts to call their local station.

Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.