Story: Dishonesty crime

Sergeant Mark Leys surveys recovered stolen cars in a warehouse in Manukau, in 2006. The warehouse holds hundreds of such cars and on a typical weekend 40 more show up. The previous year more than 36,000 vehicles had been stolen in New Zealand, but only around one in five car thefts was resolved. While around 70% of cars are eventually recovered, these are often damaged, burnt out or totally written off. Some car models are targeted by professional thieves who work in gangs. Some are 'chopped' and sold for parts, and others have their identity altered in a process dubbed 'rebirthing' after which they are sold to unsuspecting buyers.