Hamilton Police want the only disappointment from Saturday night's All Black Springbok match to be that of the losing side's fans not vehicle or property owners.
Community Engagement Manager, Inspector Marcus Lynam said though the number of incidents of theft ex-car and dwelling burglaries were on the way down previous experience suggested not all visitors to the City will be in a sporting frame of mind.
"Offence numbers during the City's Lions match were right down but we did notice a spike in the number of random break-ins of fan's cars parked around the city.
"Too that end we'd like to remind visitors and residents alike to 'lock it or lose it', don't leave valuables in your car and if you have to lock them away out of sight in the boot."
Where possible people are asked to park their cars in garages, if that's not possible park their cars in driveways and as a last option on the roadside.
"That way, by doing this we can minimalise opportunistic thefts, it requires a conscious effort to enter property to steal an item where as a vehicle parked on the side of the road poses less of a risk to the offender."
Police also asked those in the hospitality industry to be particularly vigilant around security of accommodation units and customer vehicles.
"With the World Cup not too far away we want people to come away from their experience over the weekend encouraged to return to Hamilton because it's a safe visitor friendly place to bring their family," said Mr Lynam.
Police will have a highly visible presence in the City over the weekend and aside from looking to reduce the number of dishonesty offences will be working with licensees to ensure a positive environment in the CBD post match.
"That way we can ensure we've done our part to ensure the weekend is a success, it's up to the ABs from there."
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