German tourists have van broken into

Four young female tourists had their van broken into while they were out shopping in central Whangarei.

The theft was discovered when the German visitors returned to their white van about 1.30pm yesterday on Bank St, opposite the Grand Hotel.

The van, with a mattress out the back, was their abode and it is understood items excluding cash and travel documents were stolen.

It is not clear when the tourists arrived in Whangarei, although they indicated it was not their first time to the city. All appeared to be in good spirits and drove off after speaking to police.

Police were following leads late yesterday but no arrests had been made at edition time.

The latest incident happened just over two months after five Japanese women had their van broken into and three bags stolen within an hour of arriving in Whangarei in late October for a week-long trip.

Three of the upset women were left with only the clothes they were standing in.

The women had planned to stay a week, go on tourist rides, visit Waitangi, Paihia, Russell, Cape Reinga, Waipoua Forest and many other places.

A month before that, two German tourists had their silver Toyota Liteace van broken into while at the Town Basin and possessions stolen, including air tickets, toiletries and a bag.

Anybody with information about the thefts can contact Whangarei police on 430 4500 or call anonymously for free on 0800 Crimestoppers or 0800 555 111.