Police are investigating after one car was stolen and another eight cars were targeted in attempted break-ins in Lake Hāwea in the early hours of Sunday morning (January 18).

The cars that were tampered with were parked across a wide area, including Capell Avenue, Paradise Place, Hewson Crescent, Little Maude Avenue, Lakeview Terrace, Grandview Road, and Bell Street.

The stolen car was later recovered, a police spokesperson said.

Police said they were also aware of “a vehicle heard doing burnouts and crashing in the area at 4am”.

They are asking members of the public for help identifying a man captured on CCTV footage in the area around the time of the incidents.

“We believe he may be able to assist us with our enquiries into the break-ins,” the spokesperson said.

A post by Lake Hāwea Community Notices Facebook administrator Liz Matheson urged residents on the affected streets to check their CCTV footage for any unusual activity and provide it to police if they find anything.

“This has affected a number of our residents, some of whom have given countless hours of their time to assist a wide range of members of our community.”

Wānaka Police have warned of a “spike” in car thefts in their weekly Crimeline updates over the past year or so.

Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV footage should call police on 105 and quote file number 260118/4376.

Information on the incidents can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

IMAGE: Police Media/CCTV