Auckland Police are driving home the message car owners need to be vigilant

Almost nine and a half thousand vehicles have been reported stolen across Tamaki Makaurau in the past 12 months.

Mazda Demios and Nissan Tiidas are the most common theft.

A large number of vehicles were stolen from public or commercial areas, such as shopping centre parking.

The Mazda Demio in particular has a reputation as "easy to steal" -- with more than 100 taken in Taranaki over a few months early in the year.

Tamaki Makaurau Police Inspector Trevor Beggs recommends using steering locks, installing immobilisers and parking in driveways rather than the street.