Police fear the unusual theft of three vehicle number plates overnight could lead to a more serious crime.
The number plates were stolen on Monday night from vehicles located on Hinewa Road, Tarata Street and Pine Avenue in the Tauranga suburbs of Matua and Otumoetai. Police believe the same offenders are responsible.

Senior sergeant Ross Bielby says number plate thefts are not uncommon but it's very strange for three vehicles to be targeted in a single night.
The number plates stolen are DCJ437, EAB146 and DNU819.
'There's a range of things stolen number plates are used for. On occasion, they have been used for petrol drive offs, on stolen cars and as collectors items,” says Ross.
He is appealing for anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour in these areas, or knows the whereabouts of the number plates to call police.
'Police are very concerned. Often these plates get used in other criminal activity.
People will have these plates stored somewhere or will be carrying them around,” says Ross.
Over the weekend, the number plate, WO2701, was also stolen from a car in Alverstoke Street in the Tauranga suburb of Merivale.
Early last week a rare personalised plate, 4WEED, was stolen from a car located on Meadowland Street in Matua.
Anyone with information in regard to this should contact the Tauranga Police on 5774300 or 0800 SPEAKUP.