Wānaka Police are investigating a spate of late night joyriding incidents after two vehicles were stolen and damaged in separate incidents just a few days apart.

One Mt Iron resident said his unlocked vehicle was pushed from his driveway in the early hours of Tuesday September 16. 

Security camera footage showed at least two people, who have not been identified, pushing the vehicle down the driveway before starting it further down the road.

When it was recovered, the vehicle had been tagged with the words ‘get ganked’, the stereo face was missing, and the front bumper was broken.

Later that week another car was found tipped on its side near the Maungawera Valley intersection, caked in mud and with evidence of burnouts on the road nearby. 

It was stolen from Wānaka overnight and appeared to have been taken ‘off-roading’, according to an email sent to residents of the valley.

Wānaka Police PST Sergeant Darren Cranfield said it was likely the same people were behind both incidents, and these types of joyriding events were becoming more common.

“There has been an increase of vehicles stolen and taken for ‘joyrides’, along with vehicles being entered and property removed,” he said. 

He said both matters were under investigation and anyone with any information should call 105 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Darren urged residents to lock their vehicles.

IMAGE: Supplied